Alternative enterprises, local economies, and social justice: why smaller is still more beautiful

Abstract

The case for alternative forms of capitalism, or alternatives to capitalism, has been made for a long time and on many different grounds. In the context of academic work on management and organization there is an increasing interest in work that investigates alternative organizational forms. However, the question for this paper is a slightly broader one: What sorts of policy or ecosystem changes would be necessary to encourage alternative businesses to grow? I begin with the practical necessity of business in a social democratic society, and try to think about policies that could be sold to policy makers and the electorate. I argue that a localized small business system is more resilient to economic shocks, as well as providing clear advantages in terms of environmentally friendly business practices and the reduction of inequality.