Beyond Good Intentions: Why Effectiveness is the Key to Social Responsibility

This essay ties Peter Drucker’s writings on effectiveness to his work on social responsibility, and makes the case that organizational performance across the sectors—public, private and nonprofit—is the key to solving major problems around the world. As Drucker made clear: “Good intentions don’t move mountains. Bulldozers do.” The piece explores concepts such as corporate social responsibility through a Drucker-like lens, drawing on a dozen of his books. It also cites recent examples from, among others, the nonprofit Teach for America, a company called TerraCycle and government initiatives in several parts of the U.S. The article examines Drucker’s “Five Most Important Questions You Will Ever Ask About Your Organization” in particular detail.