In today’s pursuit of economic expansion, communities have focused more on fleeting benefits than on genuine, long-term progress, resulting in the erosion of vital societal institutions such as the family, increased ecological damage, and the transformation of workers and buyers into marketable assets.

Social welfare programs take over roles traditionally filled by family ties but fail to tackle more fundamental social issues, as ethical flexibility erodes common moral standards.

Consumerism, driven by business objectives, has turned into an ethical obligation, increasing disparities, consuming environmental assets, and promoting unviable growth. Companies take advantage of employees and deceive buyers for the gain of affluent investors, intensifying worldwide economic imbalance.

In contrast, conventional management approaches hinder creativity and individual growth by centralizing authority and neglecting staff involvement. Genuine success demands a transformation in leadership that puts individuals, society, and the environment at the core—encouraging equitable work environments, responsible progress, and the revival of personal worth amid an economically driven world.

What is the reason for restructuring management?

(cont’d)

Amidst the continuous quest for financial success, what many societies tend to see is a series of shallow remedies instead of comprehensive, lasting approaches. The stability of the family structure, traditionally viewed as the foundation of every community, has suffered damage and has been substituted with state-run support networks that are primarily administrative and slow to respond.

These organizations frequently neglect the more fundamental social, emotional, and cultural requirements of households. According to the OECD’s 2023 Family Database, numerous government-led family initiatives concentrate solely on monetary support or childcare services, failing to confront the underlying disparities or changes in values that undermine familial stability from the outset.

This reduction is connected to an overall pattern: the weakening of common ethical standards and the emergence of value relativism and diversity. As sociologist Zygmunt Bauman cautioned, “In a fluid modern world, values are no longer fixed; everything becomes open for discussion, and moral confidence gives way to individual choice” (
Liquid Modernity
, 2000).

Time-honored moral guidelines—previously supported by families, faith groups, and local neighborhoods—are increasingly seen by some as obsolete, giving way to a mindset that frequently emphasizes personal liberty over the health of society as a whole. Ethics are being reshaped not around concepts of correctness versus error, but rather around personal habits and purchasing behaviors.

In the meantime, the ecological impact of this uncontrolled economic competition is significant. While claiming to help lift people out of poverty, numerous development plans take advantage of natural resources without considering sustainability. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), more than 75% of terrestrial ecosystems have been seriously changed because of industrial and economic activities (UNEP 2021). Forests are destroyed, aquatic systems contaminated, and wildlife diversity suffers lasting harm—everything done to support businesses where the main gains go to affluent investors.

This identical system of exploitation exists throughout modern consumer society. Happiness is no longer seen as a positive trait; instead, buying things has turned into an ethical duty. The worldwide economic structure relies significantly on boosting demand — particularly in emerging areas where commercial growth is accelerating quickly.

Ads and online services create cravings that never end, encouraging individuals to exceed their financial limits in seeking an always-changing perfect lifestyle. As economist Tim Jackson notes in
Prosperity Without Growth (2017)
We find ourselves in a situation where the sole method of ensuring economic stability is to encourage individuals to spend increasingly.

However, behind this consumer-oriented image hides a more significant problem: the poor handling of human resources within companies and countries alike. People are increasingly regarded not as partners in a collective societal effort, but as means to enhance productivity and production. Consequently, employees face excessive workloads, low wages, and little recognition.

According to the ILO’s Global Employment and Social Outlook (2023), issues such as unstable work, insufficient job opportunities, and stagnant wages remain widespread worldwide, including in wealthy nations, despite companies achieving unprecedented profit levels. Consumers, rather than holding ultimate power, frequently face misleading promotions, intentional product shortening of lifespan, and inaccurate advertisements. Within this framework, both worker loyalty and consumer confidence are turned into assets for financial benefit.

This situation has a specific purpose: to increase the divide between those who own capital and the working population. Economist Thomas Piketty, in his influential book
Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2014)
, shows that the return on capital typically outpaces the pace of economic growth, resulting in an accumulation of wealth that perpetuates inequality across generations. Put differently, the wealthy become even wealthier—not because of creativity or hard work—but simply by possessing assets. At the same time, the less fortunate stay stuck in patterns of oppression, borrowing, and hopelessness.

This brings up an essential issue: can this genuinely be referred to as “economic development”? If progress is evaluated only through GDP, stock market indices, or trading levels, then maybe. However, if development is viewed, as Amartya Sen describes in
Development as Freedom (1999)
If we define development as expanding individuals’ abilities to live fulfilling lives, then this approach is not working. Sen cautions against what he refers to as “purposeless wealth”—economic growth that advantages only a small group without improving the conditions of most people or safeguarding fundamental liberties and natural environments.

Thus, what we witness nowadays is not authentic economic governance and progress, but an illusion—a facade concealing growing disparity, environmental degradation, ethical ambiguity, and systemic breakdowns. While the frameworks of administration—be they within companies or governmental bodies—focus solely on the benefits of the affluent and financial indicators, real well-being for everyone will continue to be out of reach. Genuine sustainable growth necessitates a shift in priorities, putting individuals and nature above monetary gains, and reinstating respect for humanity at the core of managerial approaches.

Leadership, whether at the organizational or country level, wields significant influence over individuals, assets, and choices. Consequently, it greatly impacts social developments. However, rather than fostering empowerment and unity, contemporary leadership frequently distances itself from the essential human and environmental resources upon which it relies. A deep transformation is not only wanted but also crucial.

Revising the Distribution of Authority and Harnessing Individual Capabilities

Traditional management has focused authority over decisions in the hands of a small group, resulting in hierarchical structures within organizations that hinder rather than enhance human capability. Gary Hamel, one of today’s most significant business theorists, states in
The Future of Leadership (2007)
:

Contemporary management stands as one of humanity’s greatest advancements. Regrettably, it is also among the most restrictive. It suppresses imagination, deters originality, and fosters obedience instead of dedication.

If human resources are viewed solely as means to complete tasks—like static assets instead of active participants—much of the creativity and mental capacity remains unused. Such an arrogant approach from leadership doesn’t just lower employee morale but also fails to make use of the wide range of ideas, experiences, and innovative possibilities within the workforce.

According to the Gallup State of the Global Workplace Report (2023), just 23% of workers around the world show enthusiasm for their jobs, with many experiencing feelings of detachment or active dissatisfaction. This low level of involvement does not indicate that employees are incapable; instead, it highlights shortcomings within managerial structures in terms of inspiring, involving, and encouraging staff. As Peter Drucker once noted, “The most essential part of communication is understanding what remains unsaid.” However, modern leadership practices often neglect to truly listen, thereby missing out on crucial insights that might drive progress, creativity, and personal satisfaction.

To address this issue, companies should transform into platforms for exchanging thoughts — where each employee is involved not just in outcomes but also in making choices. According to the MIT Sloan Management Review, environments that promote inclusion tend to surpass competitors in innovation, tackling challenges, and financial success. When staff members are acknowledged as thoughtful participants, efficiency increases, allowing for a fairer sharing of benefits.

Sure, let’s connect: +1 (914) 259-0242

jules.ntokoli@soleilvision.com

www.soleilvision.com

The founder and group chief executive officer of Groupe Soleil Vision, which includes Soleil Consults (US), LLC, NubianBiz.com, and Soleil Publications, is a vibrant businessman. He possesses significant expertise in areas like strategy, management, entrepreneurship, premium audit advisory, and web consulting. Having worked professionally in both Ghana and the U.S., Jules has become recognized as an influential figure in domains such as corporate governance, leadership, e-commerce, and client support. His writings cover various subjects ranging from economics to information technology, marketing, and brand identity, establishing him as a key contributor to conversations about progress and commercial advancement throughout Africa. Via NubianBiz.com, he strongly supports internal African commerce and tech-fueled expansion aimed at uplifting small and medium enterprises across the region.
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