Social Profit Orientation

Social Profit Orientation is an organization-wide perspective whereby entities embrace in their core mission the creation of sustainable, positive social and/or environmental impacts on individuals, communities, and society at large.

Organizations that embrace a social profit orientation proactively invest resources such as knowledge, infrastructure, labor, reputation, money, and time with the explicit goal of enhancing the common good, especially improving the well-being of people and safeguarding the health of the planet.

A social profit orientation (SPO) reflects a deliberate, conscious organizational effort to address systemic social or environmental challenges—it is not merely a by-product of making financial profits.

SPO Research & Resources

Research

Below are research resources designed to provide in-depth insights into Social Profit Orientation (SPO). These resources include scholarly articles and upcoming commentaries from leading academics and business leaders, highlighting the importance and application of SPO in various contexts.

• Download “Social Profit Orientation: Lessons from Organizations Committed to Building a Better World” from the Journal of Marketing

Teaching Guides

Below are teaching resources designed to assist faculty in educating their students about Social Profit Orientation (SPO). These resources include a comprehensive PowerPoint deck that compellingly illustrates the core concepts of SPO, aiming to inspire students to apply these principles in their life and work. Additionally, a detailed teaching guide accompanies the PowerPoint lecture, providing instructions and context to facilitate the effective use of the slides in class.

Comprehensive Lecture (approximately 90 minutes)

• Please click here to download the Teaching Guide, which will provide an overview of the key points to review in each slide. A link to download the Social Profit Orientation Comprehensive Lecture presentation can be found within the Teaching Guide.

Two Part Lecture (approximately 45 minutes per lecture)

• Please click here to download the Teaching Guide for the Two Part Lecture, which will provide an overview of the key points to review in each slide. A link to download the Social Profit Orientation Two Part Lecture presentation can be found within the Teaching Guide.

Coming Soon!

Social Profit Orientation Commentaries from:

• Alessandro Benetton, Chairman of Edizione and Vice-Chairman of Mundys
• George Day, Geoffrey T. Boisi Professor Emeritus at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania