Head: (4.5 of 5)
Heart: (4 of 5)
Leadership Applicability: (4.5 of 5)

As the title implies, author David Vogel, takes an in-depth look at both the potential and limits of corporate social responsibility (CSR). He provides, what many consider, the most comprehensive analysis to date of the contemporary CSR movement. The Market for Virtue is unique in that it explores the boundaries to which improvements in corporate conduct can occur without making changes to current government regulation. Vogel also details concepts surrounding the value of businesses taking into account social, environmental, and financial responsibilities. The Market for Virtue highlights the difficult line that many businesses must walk between ethics and profitability.

Vogel brings to light and supports the important role that CSR, alongside rules and regulations, plays for businesses. He also shares the realistic limitations of that role. The Market for Virtue does an excellent job of furthering the current discussion and debate concerning CSR, and helps to clarify the boundaries that define the limits of its effectiveness. The Market for Virtue is a timely, accurate, and important book for all business leaders and scholars to read. Buy it.