Cadburys, Rowntrees, Barclays, Lloyds, Clarks, Wedgwood – these are just a few of the corporate giants founded by Quaker families. Yet, in today’s world, Quaker influence in the business realm has faded. Frustratingly (maddeningly, if you ask me), I can’t point to any new, large businesses emerging from Quaker families – at least not yet!
I am impelled to ask: Is it fair to say that today’s Quakers are like a relegated football team that doesn’t want to gain promotion to the Premier League? Should Quakers strive to regain our past glories in the field of business? Are we just an aging rock star, relying on hits from decades ago?
My hope is that Quakers around the globe reflect on these questions and then – hopefully – move heaven and earth to get back to the top of business leadership. We have much to offer, or at least we used to.
Profit isn’t a dirty word; it’s just a by-product of creating value for us and for others. With profit, we can do some amazing things, like building Bournville, or New Earswick, and creating the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust. It’s not about the money as such; it’s about what you can do with the money. And we, as Quakers, once did a lot.
In search of some business inspiration this week, I turned to the wisdom of the Quaker greats, seeking lessons from the remarkable success stories of Cadbury, Rowntree, and others. And to assist me on this journey, I enlisted the help of GPT-4.
Here’s the prompt I gave it:
Me:
“Research everything about early Quaker business leaders, such as Cadbury and Rowntree, and others. Then give me ten lessons explaining why they were successful in business.”
Now, I know it’s frowned upon to simply copy and paste AI-generated content, but what can I say? GPT’s response was so good that it would be a disservice to edit it. So here, I present to you its findings, unfiltered and unedited:
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“The Quaker business leaders of the 19th and early 20th centuries, including prominent figures like the Cadburys and Rowntrees, were remarkably successful in business. Their success was not just in terms of profit but also in the impact they had on their communities and the ethical standards they established. Here are ten key lessons drawn from their practices and philosophies that contributed to their success:
- Strong Ethical Foundations
- Lesson: A firm commitment to ethical principles can build a foundation of trust and long-term success.
- Explanation: Quakers adhered to a strong moral code that emphasized honesty, integrity, and fairness. This reputation for trustworthiness earned them the confidence of customers, employees, and business partners, which was crucial for long-term success.
- Focus on Social Responsibility
- Lesson: Prioritizing the well-being of employees and the community can lead to a more sustainable business.
- Explanation: Quaker businesses were pioneers in improving working conditions, providing decent wages, and investing in the welfare of their employees. For example, Cadbury built the Bournville village, offering workers good housing and amenities, which fostered loyalty and productivity.
- Product Quality and Innovation
- Lesson: Commitment to high product quality and continuous innovation is essential for staying competitive.
- Explanation: The Quaker business leaders were dedicated to producing high-quality goods. The Cadburys, for instance, revolutionized the chocolate industry with their emphasis on pure ingredients and innovative production methods, which helped them stand out in a competitive market.
- Long-Term Vision
- Lesson: A long-term perspective can guide better decision-making and ensure enduring success.
- Explanation: Quaker businesses often took a long-term view of their operations, focusing on sustainable growth rather than short-term profits. This approach allowed them to build lasting brands and businesses that could withstand economic fluctuations.
- Education and Empowerment
- Lesson: Investing in education and the empowerment of employees contributes to a more capable and loyal workforce.
- Explanation: Quaker leaders believed in the power of education. The Rowntrees, for example, established educational programs for their workers and the community, which not only improved employee skills but also fostered a culture of loyalty and innovation.
- Community-Centric Approach
- Lesson: Engaging with and contributing to the community enhances brand reputation and loyalty.
- Explanation: The Quaker business leaders were deeply involved in their local communities. They often reinvested profits into local projects and philanthropic endeavors, which strengthened their ties with the community and bolstered their business reputation.
- Transparency and Open Communication
- Lesson: Transparency and honest communication build trust and prevent misunderstandings.
- Explanation: The Quaker emphasis on honesty extended to their business practices, where they maintained transparency in their dealings with customers, employees, and suppliers. This openness helped to build strong, trusting relationships that were critical to their success.
- Strong Leadership and Governance
- Lesson: Strong, principled leadership can guide a business through challenges and opportunities.
- Explanation: Quaker businesses were often family-run, with leaders who were deeply involved in all aspects of the business. They led by example, fostering a culture of ethical behavior and responsibility that permeated the entire organization.
- Non-Conformity and Independence
- Lesson: Challenging conventional wisdom and maintaining independence can be a key differentiator.
- Explanation: Quakers were non-conformists in both religion and business. Their willingness to challenge established norms, such as creating better working conditions or insisting on higher product standards, allowed them to carve out unique positions in the market.
- Global Vision with Local Roots
- Lesson: Balancing global ambitions with a strong local presence can lead to balanced growth.
- Explanation: Quaker businesses like Cadbury and Rowntree expanded their operations globally while maintaining strong ties to their local communities. This balance allowed them to grow internationally without losing their ethical focus or community support.
These lessons highlight that the success of the Quaker business leaders was not just about making money but about building businesses that were sustainable, ethical, and respected by both employees and customers. Their approach to business provides valuable insights for modern entrepreneurs and companies seeking to create lasting and meaningful enterprises.”
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To this excellent summary, I would add two more points, which I believe were crucial to Quaker business success.
First, given the above-average literacy rates and the network of Meeting Houses, Quakers had a unique ability to grow their businesses nationwide at pace and scale. Quakers knew what each other did for a living, and they often prioritised doing business with one another. It’s no coincidence that Quaker businesses flourished in such a network. And when Quaker businesses needed finance, they would turn to each other, which explains the creation of Quaker banks such as Lloyds and Barclays. With access to capital, other Quaker businesses could prosper. In a time without the internet, early Quakers were arguably more connected than we are today.
Second, for a time, Quakers were barred from attending Oxbridge. This limitation meant that the most capable Quakers had no choice but to enter business, which inadvertently turned out to be a blessing. Business became their outlet for creativity, ambition, and social impact, helping them dominate industries for generations.
So, with all these lessons in mind, are there any points I’ve missed? Is there something more that we can take from the success of the Quaker business leaders? Perhaps the real question is: Can Quakers rise again in the business world, embracing our rich heritage while adapting to today’s challenges?
