We are a California Benefit Corporation, which is a legal business structure that requires companies to pursue both profit and positive impact on society and the environment.
Unlike traditional corporations that are primarily accountable to shareholders for financial returns, benefit corporations are legally obligated to consider the broader effects of their decisions on all stakeholders, including employees, communities, customers, and the environment.
This designation means Berrett-Koehler has formally committed to balancing purpose with profit, ensuring that our business practices align with our mission to create positive change in the world.
For a publisher focused on books that address social, environmental, and organizational challenges, this legal framework provides accountability and transparency around our values-driven approach.
It matters because it represents a fundamental shift toward more responsible capitalism, where businesses are legally bound to measure success not just by financial metrics but by their contribution to the greater good—making Berrett-Koehler's commitment to publishing transformative ideas more than just marketing rhetoric, but a legal obligation embedded in their corporate DNA.