Purpose-Driven Organizations for Sustainable Success
ISO 37011 aims to establish guidelines for organizations seeking to place purpose at the core of their strategy, a move crucial to fostering sustainable development and driving an economy centered on well-being for all and the planet. Built on the British standard PAS 808, the ISO standard will advance this framework to a globally recognized consensus, offering insights into worldviews, principles, and behaviors of purpose-driven organizations.
Jonas explains, “Arkatay has been purpose-driven since 2007, and our mission has always been to contribute to the ecosystems we’re part of by ensuring sustainable success across all project and change initiatives. We believe that purpose-driven organizations can play a critical role in solving the world’s sustainability challenges while creating workplaces filled with meaning. This is why we are dedicated to shaping an innovative and inspiring standard like ISO 37011.”
Images from Shenzhen, China, where Jonas is joining the first international meeting of the ISO 37011
The Role of PAS 808 in ISO 37011
PAS 808, available freely to those interested in this approach, serves as the foundation for ISO 37011 and outlines a shift in organizational goals from profit-centric to purpose-driven. As Dr. Victoria Hurth, the project leader of ISO 37011 and lead author of PAS 808, emphasizes, “Purpose is not a marketing tool; it is the organization’s core reason to exist, guiding it to enhance the long-term well-being of people and the planet.” This perspective is key to transitioning to a sustainable and resilient global economy.
Why This Matters for Arkatay and the Broader Business Community
By setting a standard for purpose-led governance and decision-making, ISO 37011 promises to support organizations worldwide in their journey to deliver social value and reduce environmental impact.
By defining purpose as a strategic pillar, ISO 37011 will guide organizations to:
- Embed purpose deeply in their decision-making processes,
- Design strategies to optimize their contribution to the long-term well-being of all people and the planet,
- Build governance structures that promote accountability and transparency,
- Prevent “purpose-washing” by setting clear, measurable standards for commitment to purpose.
In today’s complex world, where the call for sustainability is more urgent than ever, standards like ISO 37011 are essential. As Jonas notes, “This standard has the potential to inspire more organizations to join this important movement and drive real, systemic change.”
For organizations and individuals interested in exploring the principles of purpose-driven organizations, PAS 808 is available for immediate download from the BSI website. Don’t hesitate to contact Arkatay if you want to learn more about ISO 37011, or to get involved in the work.
