Patagonia is a great example of what PBC's can be and accomplish, but very few companies (and founders) are as successful for profits and the stated benefit.
One aspect here that I believe will be impactful but is hard to measure is how this type of signal - being a Public Benefit Corp instead of a standard S Corp or C Corp - can impact employee productivity. For one, it should make it very clear, from the top, what are some of the additional goals of the company beyond profit, and this can help in recruiting like-minded individuals and provide additional intrinsic motivation for them, especially if it's a grand goal like Patagonia's environmental aims. The passion a potential candidate would have for the stated goal could be the difference-maker if that candidate is trying to choose between multiple companies/job offers, and that type of selection from an employee I believe will improve their productivity at their chosen company (I chose this over that, so I'm going to try to confirm I made the right choice by working harder and believing I'm enjoying my work more).
There are other nuances at play too, but having the benefit codified in this manner I believe will help overall productivity.
Thank you Bdlflt for your answer.
Indeed Patagonia is an incredible example of what this kind of entreprises/corporations can achieve.
Following in the line of your argumentation, do you believe this like something necessary or that it should be taken into consideration amongst the crypto space? If yes, how do you imagine it and why do you think it's important? If no, Why?
Thanks Lucusfoundation for the response.
I do think being a PBC is a good (read: effective) lever for certain traditional companies, but shouldn't be shoe-horned in. For blockchain projects, at least those which rely on open source software and decentralized governance/operations (which is how most folks would understand the majority of blockchain projects when using it for shorthand), the "beneficial" goal is directly tied to the code in the project if there is in fact that goal. So, I'm not sure if a blockchain company would need to undergo extra hassle of being a registered PBC when there is a stronger method for demonstrating the goals of the project in the code itself. That said, it could be an additive feature for a company to have the open source and decentralized code demonstrate their commitment to the stated public benefit AND ALSO undergo the rigmarole of registering as a PBC. I do not think it is necessary though, as for employees of a company they are high-info consumers of a company's intentions - so the open source/decentralized existence would supersede the PBC designation. If only doing one, I'd make sure the public code aligns with the public statements.
