Governance

The systems and processes of management that govern an organization’s behavior and conduct. Governance covers accountability, auditing, transparency (openness), reporting and disclosure, responsibilities and representation of various stakeholders (including shareholders, board of directors, advisory boards, employees, etc.) as well as charters, by-laws, and policies document the rights and responsibilities of all parties. Governance often includes... 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

Holistic Management

A term originally used to describe an approach to managing land resources that builds biodiversity, improves production, generates financial strength, and improves the quality of life for those who use it. Holistic Management addresses the farm, family, and community as an integrated whole, instead of as separate parts. Coined by Allan Savory, a biologist in Zimbabwe, the method can be applied to organizations, businesses, communities, or individuals... Read More

Corporate Citizenship

The expectation that drives companies to interact with their wider communities in an ethical and socially-responsible manner. Many companies view themselves as other than citizens of the places they do business or define business as having no social or ethical responsibilities. Increasingly, however, organizations are reconciling their corporate goals with those of their stakeholders, including local communities and their customers’ values. Good... Read More

Multiple Stakeholders

Traditionally, stakeholders in a company have been thought to be limited to stockholders and, possibly, employees. However, stakeholders have come to refer to all people for whom a company or its products and services have an impact, including, customers, governments, organizations, and the environment. Sustainable management requires that these stakeholders’ needs be addressed in the development and deployment of products and services.  Read More

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.  Read More