The Alchemy of Awareness
The incidence in world population of individuals at level 5 awareness is believed to be quite low. As mentioned earlier, Robert Kegan has said he has ever come across a person operating exclusively at the self stage that approximately corresponds to this level of awareness. However, it has been over a decade since he made that statement and in looking around for evidence of level 5 awareness today in the world there are examples demonstrating, at least, a movement toward this awareness level. Level 5 Awareness in the World Level 5 in Business All businesses want to do well, but can they also do good? In his book, Business and the Buddha: Doing Well by Doing Good, Lloyd Field says yes, they can do good, and moreover, no business can afford to focus simply on “doing well.” Increasingly, public assessment of a businessʼs worth must take into account its consideration of shared human values. That doesnʼt mean a business canʼt or should not compete; it means that investing in efforts to build a better society can, on many levels, be an asset. In this book, Field lays out the guidelines for putting social responsibility, both corporate and individual, into practice without sacrificing profits. Drawing from traditional Buddhist teachings, Field shows how, with attention to ethics, skillful means, and corporate responsibility, entrepreneurs and decision-makers can achieve new levels of happiness and security both inside the company and out, while acting as a powerful force for positive global change. Field explains why the globalization of the traditional capitalist way of doing business is, at least in part, responsible for some of the more pressing global problems including as social and environmental issues. He goes on to discuss the changes that are taking place and must continue to take place in the world of business if we are to move toward sustainable global practices. Field reports that in its 2004 report, WorldWatch Institute identified four ways in which governments, businesses, and consumers might adjust consumption in the service of improving global conditions. 1. Ecological Tax Reform: To mitigate the harmful impact on natural resources governments could tax manufacturers for damage done to the environment. Production standards and other regulatory guidelines could be introduced to curb environmental impacts. 2. Take-Back Laws: Through banning the disposal of landfills by burning, and implementing laws that require companies to take back products at the end of their useful lifetimes governments can help to minimize waste and the consequences of the disposal of used products. 3. Durability: By making goods that are more durable and use less materials industries can take responsibility for their impact on ecologies.
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