Strategy

An expression of the strategic intent and purpose of an organization, used to identify core competencies and determine long-term objectives, resource allocations and managerial tasks.  Read More

Strategic Planning

An organizational activity that creates a plan of action that meets and responds to high-level goals throughout all operations and communicates these plans so that everyone in the organization can act on them in understandable, coordinated, and effective ways.  Read More

Strategic Plan

A complex and ongoing process of organizational change which establishes a context for accomplishing goals, and provides a framework and direction to achieve an organization’s desired future. A strategic plan differs from a business plan in that it focuses more on the overall organizational development and not, specifically, on financial models, investment, and budgets.  Read More

Stewardship

Responsible caretaking; based on the premise that we do not own resources but only manage them, and are responsible to future generations for their condition. Making decisions regarding the care of our environment with the goal of passing healthy ecosystems on to future generations.  Read More

Steady-state Economy

An economic theory, put forth by Herman Daly in response to geophysicist M. K. Hubbert’s predictions of the limits of the fossil fuel supply, which regards the notion of economic growth in a finite world as inherently unsustainable. Instead, we should pursue a steady-state economy, which exists within our ecosystem and is similarly finite, non-growing and materially closed (no matter enters or leaves). A steady-state economy assumes that natural... Read More

SROI (Social Return on Investment)

The measure of an investment’s ability to produce social value in a community or broader society. An attempt to monetize social value in order to help investors assess potential investments based on returns outside of traditional financial measures.  Read More

Sole Proprietorship

An unincorporated business that is owned by one individual. The simplest form of business organization to start and maintain. About 76% of all businesses in the USA are sole proprietorships.  Read More

Social Accountability 8000

A workplace standard and verification system, created by the human rights organization Social Accountability International (SAI), for assuring just and decent working conditions throughout a supply chain. More information: www.sa-intl.org  Read More

Service Economy

An economy which places increased value on delivery and receipt of services for economic benefit and growth than the acquisition and consumption of products and materials. This shift away from an economy of products can place greater emphasis on relationships and can promote resource productivity (if the service provider maintains responsibility for the means of providing that service).  Read More

Service Ecology

A system of interactions and actors that, together, create a sustainable and successful service or experience. Service Ecologies often include several companies or organizations that specialize in delivering one part of the total service. These may or may not be distinct to the user of the service. Successful Service Ecologies must realistically allow each company or organization to create and realize value for their part in the service in order for... Read More