A recently published Guardian article entitled ‘Is John Lewis the best Company in Britain to work for?’ considers John Lewis’ egalitarian business model of worker co-ownership. The John Lewis Partnership, which has just registered a 20% increase in operating profit, is Britain’s largest example of an employee owned company. In contrast to the traditional capitalist model of shareholder ownership, a model that has come under increasing scrutiny throughout the recession, John Lewis is institutionally committed to improving the welfare of its workers ( or ‘partners’): its constitutionally stated purpose it to improve ‘the happiness of all its members, through their worthwhile and satisfying employment in a successful business.’ The model, designed by the enlightened capitalist John Spedan Lewis, is premised on the belief that firms are not just economic and financial but also social and political. John Lewis’ progressive business model is consistent with their commitment to charitable giving through the John Lewis Foundation, which TSIC is proud to count amongst its clients.
Read the full article on the Guardian website here.
