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"Business is about economics, law and reputation." In his new book, Building Reputational Capital: Strategies for Integrity and Fair Play That Improve The Bottom Line (Oxford University Press, 2004), Kevin T. Jackson states, "Being successful requires finding the right balance among the dimensions of commerce, compliance, and credibility." By contrast, the author argues, a lucrative corporation devoid of integrity and fair play is not doing business but running a scheme of institutionalized cheating. In the book, Jackson elaborates reputational capital theory grounded in a new philosophy of law and economics premised on the axiom that trust is the necessary precondition of all legitimate successful business activity. He defines reputational capital as a firm's long-term strategic intangible assets calculated to generate profits from credibility and its ensuing trust. To meet the challenge of business dynamics, firms are called for not only to maintain reputation by legal compliance, but also to magnify reputation through deeper commitments to the spirit of law.

Since its publication, Building Reputational Capital has stirred discussion from the media, academics, and the corporate world. The book has been listed on Barnes & Noble.Com's "Top Ten Books on Business Ethics." The New York Times featured the book as a new title showing how companies can capitalize on reputation. Investor's Business Daily placed Jackson's reputational capital theory in one of its top ten success tips for leadership. Jackson has discussed the implications of reputational capital for changes in corporate governance on National Public Radio and New York City's WFUV radio. American Executive interviewed him for the magazine's June 2004 cover story, "Truth Tellers." "This is a comprehensive, down-to-earth guide to creating and sustaining your good reputation as a fair and ethical company," writes Harvard Business School's Book Report. "Overall, it's good to see an important subject handled so skillfully."

Jackson's first book, Charting Global Responsibilities: Legal Philosophy and Human Rights (University Press of America, 1994; East-West Press, 1997), was presented to His Holiness the Dalai Lama by the U.S. State Department as a gift. "Fascinating chapters, felicitous expositions and fundamental thinking," acclaims The Hindu, "it is critical that this volume becomes a high priority task of avant-garde jurists."

Jackson is Associate Professor of Legal and Ethical Studies at Fordham University's Schools of Business and was honored with the 2004 Dean's award for teaching excellence. He has published numerous articles in top-tier peer reviewed business journals.

Aware of the harsh realities of the marketplace, Jackson also transfers his philosophical reflections on the economic value of business ethics into public commentary and business consulting. He frequently gives analysis of legal and ethical issues on CNN, CBS Evening News, and Fox News and has presented seminars on business integrity and leadership for executives, dignitaries, and financial services organizations, including the National Association of Securities Dealers. His advice on mutual fund industry regulation reform has been published in The New York Law Journal.

He proves himself a realist, providing sound practical advice rather than a Quixote crusading for romantic values. "In business as in life," Jackson writes, "karma counts. In due course, what goes around comes around. Concerning reputation, that principle holds true, amplified by laws of exponential growth. Tiny acts of compassion, goodwill, and generosity often fetch great financial returns, exceeding one's expectations."

-- Marc Bain