Steward Ownership
(a.k.a. Responsible Ownership)
A successful ownership and governance model that prioritises the long-term well-being of the organisation and its stakeholders.
The concept of “steward-ownership” harnesses the power of entrepreneurship while preserving a company’s essential purpose to create products and services that deliver societal value.
Steward-ownership represents a viable alternative to shareholder-primacy ownership. In addressing fundamental structural deficiencies of our system, it retools the goals and incentives that guide decision-making in companies in the corporate DNA.
Steward-owned companies are committed to two principles:
Profits Serve Purpose
Wealth generated is not privatised; instead, it serves the mission of the organisation, and is either reinvested in the organisation, its stakeholders or donated. Investors and founders are fairly compensated with capped returns / dividends.
Self Governance
Control remains inside the company with the people directly connected to stewarding its operation and mission. The control of the company can no longer be bought or sold. Voting rights are always held by founders and employees.
Proven Benefits Of Steward Ownership
Mission and values Presentation
Steward-ownership is a strong commitment to an organisation’s mission and values. Eradicating choices deriving from external stakeholders’ pressure, the organisations can make decisions that are better aligned with its mission and their long-term objectives.
Long-term Orientation
Without short-term pressure from financial markets and greedy investors, steward-owned organisations can focus on what is best for their organisations, employees, customers, investors, and society at large for the long-term.
Good governance and management
Steward-ownership creates a foundation for exceptional governance and management, critical factors for the long-term success of any organisation.
Employee productivity and retention
Steward-ownership is a legally binding commitment to employees, guaranteeing that their work benefits the purpose of the company as a whole, and not just its financial owners.
Customer loyalty
Partners and consumers benefit from the improved service, as employees and managers feel connected to and directly responsible for the organisation’s mission. This leads to long-term customer loyalty.