Cool Hand Luke and Corporate Philanthropy

In the opinion page of the April 10, 2006 Wall Street Journal, Paul Newman--Academy Award Winning Actor, Founder of Newman's Own and Founding Co-Chair of the Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy--defends the decision of Goldman Sachs to donate 680,000 acres of land in Tierra del Fuego, Chile to the Wildlife Conservation Society, pointing to the beneficial effects corporate philanthropy has on corporations and society. Newman writes that "CEOs are integrating corporate philanthropy into their business models, and subsequently tracking the value this generates to business and society, precisely because there are significant rewards to both in pursuing these initiatives."

Among the benefits of philanthropy to the corporation cited by Newman are an engaged workforce that takes pride in its company, improved recruiting and retention, strengthened inter-employee relationships, and improved leadership and teamwork skills. Newman further asserts that "[a]dditional benefits accrue through enhanced consumer, government and media perceptions . . ." and that "helping to build a strong and stable social and economic infrastructure considerably strengthens a company's business in the community in which it operates."

Potentially a faint glimmering of corporate recognition of the following truth, enunciated by 'Abdu'l-Bahá:

There is no doubt that the living Lord will abundantly confirm those who expend their wealth in His path.