William Chitangala

The phenomenon of perceived decline in quality and service among favored digital platforms, airlines, and brands has become increasingly evident. Users observe that functionalities become restricted by paywalls, automated customer service dominates interactions, and the overall quality of offerings diminishes. This trend, coined “enshittification” by researcher Cory Doctorow, underscores a systemic issue: the prioritization of maximizing shareholder value (SHV). Originally posited as an economic principle, it has evolved into a pervasive ideology that impedes innovation and exacerbates social inequality. However, emerging sustainable business models, which emphasize long-term viability rather than immediate profit, present promising alternatives. This document explores how businesses can achieve success by recognizing the importance of stakeholders, including employees, customers, and the broader community.