Value of Business to Society

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The true and authentic value of a business to society is creating products and services and not about making profits.

This is particularly true today because the actual epicentre of innovation has shifted from individual researchers and scientific laboratories to enterprises, a perspective that also echoes with the position of thought leaders at the recent “Oracle Open World.”

The role of lead innovator comes with huge responsibility, and along with it, an opportunity to develop creative ideas for improvement and advancement. That is, progress that looks beyond narrow interests and short-termism towards the greater good.

The question then is: how can we integrate the quest of such progress within the organizational framework? In my opinion, there are three ways. That is, (a) by innovating with products and processes, (b) by designing new and better customer experiences, and (c) by reinventing business models.

For example, think about how technology innovation in the form of a mobile banking platform has offered financial access to the huge, previously unbanked populations in the developing world. Or, consider how advances in intelligent healthcare systems have made it possible to provide remote care to geriatric patients. And finally, let’s take the example of the “Global Delivery Model” which has been influential in developing entire regions in the emerging world into hubs of innovation, generating new employment opportunities for many young people while providing unmatched business advantage to businesses in the developed economies.

The above ideas stick out not only for the observable benefits they gain for the parent company, but also for the role they play in the local community, sustainability and society as a whole.

What is astonishing is that time and again organizations do not recognise and appreciate the importance of those moments, which will eventually continue to create history. They fail to recognise a “not-so-obvious” breakthrough for what it is: a small but major building block of not just business growth, but profound and pervasive progress.

Thus far, such progress has certainly been an unexpected outcome of business. It is time it became the fundamental reason to stay alive in business.

 

 

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For many organizations, human resources are their greatest asset. Indeed, organizational performance and organizations’ ability to gain a competitive advantage is often critically contingent on the effective management of people. Leadership is a key element in this process. Leaders may motivate employees to excellent performance and mobilise employees for the organization’s mission and vision. Leaders may also be a primary source of conflict and demotivation, however. Understanding how leadership can bring out the best in people as well as where leadership can go wrong therefore is of critical importance to successful organizational functioning.

Lecture Hall - Computer1

Therefore, my ‘mission’ is to contribute to this understanding through fundamental as well as applied research in leadership. Based on this, I try to conduct field research in collaboration with a variety of organizations with the hope that these studies will allow me to develop models of effective leadership that highlights leaders’ role as influencing agents and motivators of followers, and that emphasise such aspects of leadership as leaders’ vision, servant leadership, team leadership, and leaders’ ability to represent the shared identity of the team or organization. I am keen to apply these models to help organizations resolve leadership issues and increase organizations’ understanding of the role of leadership in their effective functioning, and invite interested organizations to contact.

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Thursday, 16th August 2018

Today was a sightseeing outing. We left Denekamp immediately after our breakfast at about 09:16 hours.

MEYER WERFT, PAPENBURG-GERMANY

The first place we visited was MEYER WERFT, (in Papenburg), a shipbuilding company in Germany.

Floatation Classroom

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has meanwhile been owned by the seventh generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 3,300 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry.

Meyer Werft Shipyard

Building cruise ships is a particularly complex task compared to other industries. One cruise ship is a highly complex, large-scale project that must satisfy customer requirements as well as meet stringent safety regulations. Each cruise ship is made of more than 10 million individual parts and assemblies, compared to about one million parts for today’s largest passenger airplanes and about 10,000 parts for a car. The complexity, diversity and large volume of data involved require efficient solutions to design and build ships that stand out from those of competitors. Meyer Werft can efficiently manage this complexity while ensuring high quality standards that, ultimately, help its cruise line customers offer a best-in-class passenger experience.

It was a very enjoyable two-hour tour, including a view of the ships in progress. It is an insightful experience and a well worth visit. A perfect place for a company of friends.

LUNCH

After the shipyard tour, we had our Lunch together at the Gasthof Tepe restaurant in Aschendorf, about 6 km away from Papenburg, Germany.

BOURTANGE FORTRESS

The next place tourist site we visited was the Bourtange fortress – also referred to as the fortress that was never conquered – a unique historical defences which is without comparison.

Rich in history, Vesting Bourtange dates back to 1580 when Willem van Oranje ordered an entrenchment be built with five bastions near the Dutch-German border. Build on a sandy ridge or ‘tange’ (in Dutch) it was completed in 1593. Over the centuries it was continually reinforced but as over time it eventually lost its military status and was dismantled by 1851. Since then it has grown into an agricultural village which is teeming with history. Bourtange is located southeast of Groningen, not far from the German border, making it a fun day trip if you are in the area. Its cobblestone roads, historic canons and wooden drawbridges allow your imagination to wander back in time.

 

We spend our time walking around the high ridges that line the village, a water canal on one side and the town in the centre. Stunning views and fields as far as the eye could see made us feel as if we really were protected from the rest of the world. Visiting Bourtange, you walk through the so called ‘Vriesse gate’ or ‘Münsterse gate’, depending from which way you enter, following the road to the picturesque Marketplace. This square is surrounded by fourteen 300 years old lemon trees. Along with museums, Bourtange also has an Inn which would allow you to actually stay overnight and enjoy the fortress for a little bit longer. We made sure to visit the “candle maker” and also enjoyed watching the residents having their relaxation in the gardens. We eventually made our way to the centre square where there were several restaurants available.

Bourtange Street Walk

The tour continued with the Protestant Church, the Jewish Synagogue and windmill and then a little relax time watching the swans go by. The video makes it look massive, but in all reality, it was quite a bit smaller than we expected. In this small cosy village (Bourtange), the present day and past centuries go together perfectly giving you a sense of appreciation of one’s own historical and cultural background. Regardless it was a beautiful place to visit and a great way to expose young people to history. No theme parks, no rides, just exploring and wandering the streets of this century’s old fortress. I highly recommend Bourtange for family outing.

SUPPER

We left Bourtange at 17:38 hours arriving in De Lutte-Loser at about 18:50 hours, where we took our supper together in the Cafe-Restaurant Keet’n Zwart.

BACK TO GENERAL CHAPTER VENUE

At 21:00 hours we left the restaurant (Keet’n Zwart) and arriving in Denekamp at 21:20 hours. That was how we spent the day.

BRIEF REFLECTION ON BEING TOGETHER

OUTING is one of the ways of expressing our fraternal solidarity with one another. As it is said in our Constitutions: “being together in hours of relaxation… is a sign of unity” (Article 45).

Thanks a lot, to Bro. Lo Koeleman for the practical arrangements he put in place to make the outing successful and joyful being together.

 

 

My New Post

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Thursday, 16th August 2018

Today was a sightseeing outing. We left Denekamp immediately after our breakfast at about 09:16 hours.

MEYER WERFT, PAPENBURG-GERMANY

The first place we visited was MEYER WERFT, (in Papenburg), a shipbuilding company in Germany.

Floatation Classroom

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has meanwhile been owned by the seventh generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 3,300 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry.

Meyer Werft Shipyard

Building cruise ships is a particularly complex task compared to other industries. One cruise ship is a highly complex, large-scale project that must satisfy customer requirements as well as meet stringent safety regulations. Each cruise ship is made of more than 10 million individual parts and assemblies, compared to about one million parts for today’s largest passenger airplanes and about 10,000 parts for a car. The complexity, diversity and large volume of data involved require efficient solutions to design and build ships that stand out from those of competitors. Meyer Werft can efficiently manage this complexity while ensuring high quality standards that, ultimately, help its cruise line customers offer a best-in-class passenger experience.

It was a very enjoyable two-hour tour, including a view of the ships in progress. It is an insightful experience and a well worth visit. A perfect place for a company of friends.

LUNCH

After the shipyard tour, we had our Lunch together at the Gasthof Tepe restaurant in Aschendorf, about 6 km away from Papenburg, Germany.

BOURTANGE FORTRESS

The next place tourist site we visited was the Bourtange fortress – also referred to as the fortress that was never conquered – a unique historical defences which is without comparison.

Rich in history, Vesting Bourtange dates back to 1580 when Willem van Oranje ordered an entrenchment be built with five bastions near the Dutch-German border. Build on a sandy ridge or ‘tange’ (in Dutch) it was completed in 1593. Over the centuries it was continually reinforced but as over time it eventually lost its military status and was dismantled by 1851. Since then it has grown into an agricultural village which is teeming with history. Bourtange is located southeast of Groningen, not far from the German border, making it a fun day trip if you are in the area. Its cobblestone roads, historic canons and wooden drawbridges allow your imagination to wander back in time.

Market Square

We spend our time walking around the high ridges that line the village, a water canal on one side and the town in the centre. Stunning views and fields as far as the eye could see made us feel as if we really were protected from the rest of the world. Visiting Bourtange, you walk through the so called ‘Vriesse gate’ or ‘Münsterse gate’, depending from which way you enter, following the road to the picturesque Marketplace. This square is surrounded by fourteen 300 years old lemon trees. Along with museums, Bourtange also has an Inn which would allow you to actually stay overnight and enjoy the fortress for a little bit longer. We made sure to visit the “candle maker” and also enjoyed watching the residents having their relaxation in the gardens. We eventually made our way to the centre square where there were several restaurants available.

Bourtange Street Walk

The tour continued with the Protestant Church, the Jewish Synagogue and windmill and then a little relax time watching the swans go by. The video makes it look massive, but in all reality, it was quite a bit smaller than we expected. In this small cosy village (Bourtange), the present day and past centuries go together perfectly giving you a sense of appreciation of one’s own historical and cultural background. Regardless it was a beautiful place to visit and a great way to expose young people to history. No theme parks, no rides, just exploring and wandering the streets of this century’s old fortress. I highly recommend Bourtange for family outing.

SUPPER

We left Bourtange at 17:38 hours arriving in De Lutte-Loser at about 18:50 hours, where we took our supper together in the Cafe-Restaurant Keet’n Zwart.

BACK TO GENERAL CHAPTER VENUE

At 21:00 hours we left the restaurant (Keet’n Zwart) and arriving in Denekamp at 21:20 hours. That was how we spent the day.

BRIEF REFLECTION ON BEING TOGETHER

OUTING is one of the ways of expressing our fraternal solidarity with one another. As it is said in our Constitutions: “being together in hours of relaxation… is a sign of unity” (Article 45).

Thanks a lot, to Bro. Lo Koeleman for the practical arrangements he put in place to make the outing successful and joyful being together.

 

 

This is my new post

Leave a reply

Thursday, 16th August 2018

Today was a sightseeing outing. We left Denekamp immediately after our breakfast at about 09:16 hours.

MEYER WERFT, PAPENBURG-GERMANY

The first place we visited was MEYER WERFT, (in Papenburg), a shipbuilding company in Germany.

Floatation Classroom

Founded in 1795, Papenburg-based MEYER WERFT has meanwhile been owned by the seventh generation of the Meyer family. This well-established company has some 3,300 employees. MEYER WERFT’s extensive production program covers a wide range of ship types, from cruise ships, gas tankers and passenger ferries. In order to stay successful in worldwide competition, production technology has been continuously extended. Today, MEYER WERFT has the most modern production premises in the shipbuilding industry.

Meyer Werft Shipyard

Building cruise ships is a particularly complex task compared to other industries. One cruise ship is a highly complex, large-scale project that must satisfy customer requirements as well as meet stringent safety regulations. Each cruise ship is made of more than 10 million individual parts and assemblies, compared to about one million parts for today’s largest passenger airplanes and about 10,000 parts for a car. The complexity, diversity and large volume of data involved require efficient solutions to design and build ships that stand out from those of competitors. Meyer Werft can efficiently manage this complexity while ensuring high quality standards that, ultimately, help its cruise line customers offer a best-in-class passenger experience.

It was a very enjoyable two-hour tour, including a view of the ships in progress. It is an insightful experience and a well worth visit. A perfect place for a company of friends.

LUNCH

After the shipyard tour, we had our Lunch together at the Gasthof Tepe restaurant in Aschendorf, about 6 km away from Papenburg, Germany.

BOURTANGE FORTRESS

The next place tourist site we visited was the Bourtange fortress – also referred to as the fortress that was never conquered – a unique historical defences which is without comparison.

Rich in history, Vesting Bourtange dates back to 1580 when Willem van Oranje ordered an entrenchment be built with five bastions near the Dutch-German border. Build on a sandy ridge or ‘tange’ (in Dutch) it was completed in 1593. Over the centuries it was continually reinforced but as over time it eventually lost its military status and was dismantled by 1851. Since then it has grown into an agricultural village which is teeming with history. Bourtange is located southeast of Groningen, not far from the German border, making it a fun day trip if you are in the area. Its cobblestone roads, historic canons and wooden drawbridges allow your imagination to wander back in time.

Market Square

We spend our time walking around the high ridges that line the village, a water canal on one side and the town in the centre. Stunning views and fields as far as the eye could see made us feel as if we really were protected from the rest of the world. Visiting Bourtange, you walk through the so called ‘Vriesse gate’ or ‘Münsterse gate’, depending from which way you enter, following the road to the picturesque Marketplace. This square is surrounded by fourteen 300 years old lemon trees. Along with museums, Bourtange also has an Inn which would allow you to actually stay overnight and enjoy the fortress for a little bit longer. We made sure to visit the “candle maker” and also enjoyed watching the residents having their relaxation in the gardens. We eventually made our way to the centre square where there were several restaurants available.

Bourtange Street Walk

The tour continued with the Protestant Church, the Jewish Synagogue and windmill and then a little relax time watching the swans go by. The video makes it look massive, but in all reality, it was quite a bit smaller than we expected. In this small cosy village (Bourtange), the present day and past centuries go together perfectly giving you a sense of appreciation of one’s own historical and cultural background. Regardless it was a beautiful place to visit and a great way to expose young people to history. No theme parks, no rides, just exploring and wandering the streets of this century’s old fortress. I highly recommend Bourtange for family outing.

SUPPER

We left Bourtange at 17:38 hours arriving in De Lutte-Loser at about 18:50 hours, where we took our supper together in the Cafe-Restaurant Keet’n Zwart.

BACK TO GENERAL CHAPTER VENUE

At 21:00 hours we left the restaurant (Keet’n Zwart) and arriving in Denekamp at 21:20 hours. That was how we spent the day.

BRIEF REFLECTION ON BEING TOGETHER

OUTING is one of the ways of expressing our fraternal solidarity with one another. As it is said in our Constitutions: “being together in hours of relaxation… is a sign of unity” (Article 45).

Thanks a lot, to Bro. Lo Koeleman for the practical arrangements he put in place to make the outing successful and joyful being together.