Addressing Income Inequality
Growing economic inequality in the U.S. raises questions about what businesses and government can do to help bridge the gap. Columbia University professor and Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz cites measures that benefit the wealthy, such as tax breaks and high executive pay, as some of the main causes of this imbalance. Compensation for senior leaders, he believes, should reflect the long-term performance of a company rather than short-term gains. This notion of focusing on the future also applies to Stigliz’s view on economic reform. He feels the government must look to long-term solutions instead of “minor tweaks” to reverse the trend of income inequality impacting this country.
Joseph Stiglitz offers an in-depth analysis of today’s economic climate without the patina of political or business motivation, often sacrificing popularity for principle. This internationally renowned economist provides audiences with historical context and real-time information that sheds light on the recent financial crisis—how it happened and the path ahead. His insights are crucial for audiences that require a deeper understanding of the post-crisis business landscape. Stiglitz’s reputation precedes him as an engaging straight-talker. He does not shy away from complicated or difficult discussions about the current political and business environments and, specifically, on financial policy and government regulation. He is the author of several books including Freefall: America, Free Markets, and the Sinking of the World Economy (January 2010), The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future (June 2012) and The Great Divide: Unequal Societies and What We Can Do About Them (April 2015). Stiglitz regularly appears on CNN, CNBC and FOX News. Additionally, he is a syndicated columnist and his op-eds and articles have appeared in The Financial Times, Vanity Fair, and Newsweek, among others. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his role in creating a new branch of economics called “The Economics of Information.” His work explains the circumstances in which markets do not work well, and how selective government intervention can improve their performance. In 2015, Stiglitz was named to Politico’s list of the 50 Thinkers, Doers and Visionaries transforming American politics today.