Tax-shifting

The objective behind tax shifting is to stop taxing the things we do want (like income and savings) and shift towards taxing things people collectively do not want (like waste and pollution). The current tax system encourages the depletion of natural resources and the unsustainable degradation of the environment, while discouraging job creation. Ideally, a shift toward taxing unwanted effects over desired ones, without increasing the total tax burden,... Read More

Strategic Management

The process of developing, implementing, and revising a strategic plan. While strategic planning often involves senior management for planning and communication of strategic goals, strategies, and tactics, strategic management recognizes that without involvement throughout the organization, strategic plans are rarely successful.  Read More

Stakeholders

Individuals or organizations with an interest in the success or failure of a project or entity. Potential stakeholders in a company may include customers, clients, employees, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, partners, creditors, stockholders (shareholders), communities, government courts and departments (city, state, federal, and international), banks, media, institutional investors and fund managers, Labor Unions, Insurers and re-insurers,... Read More

Social Marketing

The positioning and segmenting of consumers by socially-driven concerns and the development of strategies and solutions that will meet their needs and desires while advancing their social agenda. Products and services which satisfy or appeal to these consumers are often use advertising and promotion that makes social or values-based claims about their manufacturing, use, or disposal. In addition, social marketing includes the representation of a company,... Read More

Social Entrepreneurship

The act of creating, organizing and managing an income-earning venture to serve an explicit social purpose. The primary mission of a socially entrepreneurial organization is to create value that benefits the health and well-being of individuals, society, or the natural environment, rather than to create wealth for shareholders. Social entrepreneurs draw upon principles and best practices developed in both the traditional business and non-profit worlds.... Read More

Smart Growth

Consciously-planned community growth that creates a higher quality of life for all stakeholders. Smart growth requires a collaboration of perspectives, disciplines, and stakeholders. These principles can also be applied to organizations in the pursuit of growth that creates a better organization for all involved. Smart growth principles include: Directing development toward existing communities (vs. new developments) Preserving open space, farmland,... Read More

Slow Money

A concept under development by Woody Tasch, Chairman of Investors’ Circle. Inspired by the mission of the Slow Food Movement, Tasch considers that “fast” money investments (such as venture capital) is expected to return a profit quickly but is rarely invested long enough to create sustainable ventures. This is especially true of early-stage companies in some industries (such as biotech, high tech, and food development) which often require longer... Read More

Shareholder Activism

The process of dialogue with company executives and filing shareholder resolutions generates investor pressure on corporate executives, garners media attention (which adds even more pressure on corporations to improve their behavior), and educates the public on often-ignored social, environmental, and labor issues. The process has served as a powerful tool to encourage corporate turnaround in social and environmental policies. Ultimately, this can... Read More

Present Value (PV)

An assessment of the “real” value of a future investment or financial transaction in terms of present economic value (as opposed to the actual value of the investment or transaction when it occurs).  Read More

Profit

The positive residual value (if there is one) or the benefit or advantage that can be achieved by a particular action or activity. Profit is calculated by adding all revenues associated with that product, service, or activity, and subtracting all expenses associated with it. Often, traditional accounting, finance, and economic calculations of profits don’t include benefits such as brand value or losses such as environmental pollution or social unrest.... Read More