The Economics of Higher Purpose: Reframing Success in Business

What if the key to thriving as a business isn’t just profit—but purpose? That’s the central question behind The Economics of Higher Purpose, co-authored by Dr. Robert E. Quinn, a leading expert in organizational change and a member of Kumanu’s Science Advisory Board.

Published by Berrett-Koehler Publishers, this book provides both the philosophical foundation and the empirical case for embedding purpose deeply within an organization’s culture and operations. Quinn and co-author Anjan V. Thakor draw from academic research, real-world case studies, and decades of leadership experience to illustrate how higher purpose fuels sustainable success.

Key Concepts

• Purpose as a strategic advantage: Organizations that embrace a higher purpose see improvements in innovation, employee engagement, and long-term performance.
• Culture transformation: Leaders who activate purpose reshape internal narratives, increase trust, and build commitment across teams.
• Beyond slogans: The book warns against “purpose washing,” emphasizing that true impact requires authentic alignment between values, vision, and action.

Why It Matters to Kumanu

Kumanu exists to help organizations operationalize purpose—not just as an HR initiative, but as a core business strategy. The Economics of Higher Purpose aligns deeply with our work:

• It validates the link between purpose and performance.
• It illustrates what it looks like when leaders bring intention into every level of the organization.
• It sets a blueprint for sustainable culture change that extends beyond perks and policy.

Whether you're a CHRO, CEO, or team leader, this book offers a clear, compelling roadmap to create lasting value through purpose.

Learn More

You can find The Economics of Higher Purpose at major booksellers:

• Amazon: The Economics of Higher Purpose