Access Economy
The “Access Economy”, sometimes called the “Sharing Economy” is a general catch all for economic activity generated by companies who enable the sharing of resources. AirBnb or ZipCar are classic examples.
Adaptive Management
In ecology, a method for managing land flexibly based on what methods of management obtain the best results. The process of adaptive management is based on monitoring the results of management actions as part of a feedback loop to determine if management actions have been successful at achieving the desired result. A key concept of […]
Apathetics
A sector of the market defined by the Roper ASW Green Gauge Report as the least interested in “green” or environmental issues and the least likely to take any action on these issues. In 2007, this group was renamed from “Basic Browns” to “Apatheics” and its numbers fell from 19% to 18% in two years. […]
Asset
Anything owned by a business or an individual that has cash, commercial, or exchange value. It is generally understood to mean property capable of producing income. Assets can be tangible (buildings, inventory, and materials) or intangible (licenses, trademarks, patents, and other intellectual property). Intangible assets include all value a company might provide. For example, brand […]
Assessment
A personal opinion or judgement, which can be made with or without a basis, or grounding, for the claim. Business people function more effectively when they are aware of their assessments and are open to readdressing them.
Assertion
A statement or claim, based on observable facts, which carries an implied promise to provide evidence (making them grounded assertions as opposed to ungrounded ones).
Appropriate Technology
Using the simplest and most benign technology to achieve an intended purpose.
AccountAbility 1000S
AccountAbility is a not-for-profit certification and research organization founded in the UK in 1995. The 1000 Series is AccounAbility’s guidelines for reporting on social, environmental and ethical performance. More information: www.accountability.org.uk
Accountability
Being answerable, or responsible, to stakeholders. In Sustainable Management this goes beyond financial stakeholders to include any natural or social systems affected by a business, including customers, employees, and communities.
