Business Quote by James C. Collins
“We must reject the idea... Well-intentioned, but dead wrong... That the primary path to greatness in the social sectors is to become "more like a business." Most businesses... Like most of anything else in life... Fall somewhere between mediocre and good.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Good to Great, 2001
Greatness in social sectors shouldn't mimic business models; they need distinct values and missions.
In simple terms: Social impact differs from profit motives.
Key Takeaway
Align mission with sector-specific values.
Themes
social impact
leadership
mission alignment
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
strategic
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- nonprofit strategy
- policy advocacy
- social entrepreneurship
Key Concepts
organizational theory
ethical governance
Questions to Reflect On
- When should business methods be adopted?
- What unique values must social sectors preserve?
A Different Perspective
Business practices may still offer useful tools.
![“[S]ometimes, when you are a food person, the possible irrelevance of what you are doing doesn’t cross your mind until it’s too late. (Once, for example, when I was just starting out in the food business, I was hired by the caper people to develop a lot of recipes using capers, and it was weeks of…” quote by Nora Ephron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d79/nora-ephron-1217_business_s-ometimes-when-you-are-a-food-person-th_980.jpg)
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)