Getty images (Getty Images) The question of whether companies can combine profits with purpose continues to be a thorny one. In March, management change at French food producer Danone underlined the difficulties some companies face in trying to become more sustainable businesses. The CEO-chairman, who had made a powerful statement of intent by formally turning Danone into a “purpose-driven company”, was ousted by activist investors. Many companies are taking a broader view of their purpose so that they serve the interests of all their stakeholders, rather than focusing primarily on rewarding shareholders. This is a concept known as stakeholder capitalism.