Rethinking the value of the company. A study on Benefit Corporations

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to re-discuss the concept of economic value of the firm in the light of recent market trends, which see a rapid development of new corporate forms, such as Benefit Corporations. The methodology is theoretical-qualitative, given that the goal of the paper is to provide a theoretical framework within which to move for the study of Benefit Corporations. Therefore, starting from the theoretical analysis conducted by La Rocca (2016) and from the concept of Shared Value (Porter, Kramer, 2011), we will analyze all the aspects relating to the economic value of the company (distribution, components and dimensions). The article has implications of a theoretical nature, as it will expand the literature by providing a declination of the concept of business economic value specific to Benefit Corporations. It also has implications of a managerial and Corporate Governance nature, as the case studies analyzed provide evidence of the advantages relating to the establishment of Benefit Corporations. Ultimately, it has implications of a social nature, as it highlights the benefits, in terms of value creation and diffusion, which derive from the development of Benefit Corporations. According to the authors' knowledge, in the literature there is not yet an organic vision from a theoretical point of view on Benefit Corporations, but a similar study was conducted by Gazzola & Mella (2004).