Sometimes I receive a puzzled look when people find out my career has concentrated on the aggregates and mining industries through all the years and upheaval of technology and social change. Partly this is because of my background, and partly because old stereotypes and assumptions about our industries tend to linger on in the public’s mind.
I always find it amusing and interesting because dig down into studies about consumer behavior and perceptions about business, and you will find that one of the most highly appreciated values is authenticity. I’ve always admired that about our industry. (And just think about what everyone’s daily lives would be without what we provide).
Contrast that to some of the more flamboyant businesses of today: as a Barron’s article puts it, social media concerns are “fundamentally advertising businesses”; hundreds of other corporations are regularly accused by the FTC of deceptive trade practices, and in juxtaposition to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Corporate Social Irresponsibility (CSI) arose because of companies that regularly “greenwash” or that fail to act responsibly towards stakeholders, society, and the environment.
Certainly, no person or organization is perfect, but there is much to respect and value when an industry’s compass is based on honesty, accountability, sincerity and a commitment to continuous improvement – in other words, authenticity.
Happy Labor Day to all!