Carleton University’s Sprott School of Business was recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results were launched today at the UN PRME Global Forum. Sprott was one of 77 business schools from 30 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved level four, out of five levels, making it a Transforming school within the PIR.
The PIR rating is conducted by students and for students. For the third time, students worldwide assessed their business school on how they perceive their positive impact in the world. The positive impact of business schools goes beyond their contribution to business and the economy; it addresses the need for their positive impact for society.
"Thank you to our students at the Sprott School of Business who shared their ideas and feedback in the PIR assessment. As a school of business and for business, our responsibility is to seek and act upon enterprising opportunities to create a better world," said Howard Nemiroff, Interrim Dean of the Sprott School of Business. "The PIR provides us with the tools to measure how our students are prepared to lead with purpose and to make a positive impact in the world."
The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions that sit within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across five levels. The different levels refer to the developmental stage of the business school, rating it by a certain level of achievement. Business schools are provided with a defined social impact and a tool that they can use for change.
Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board said: “While future students now have an alternative source to select their business school, schools refer to the PIR primarily to measure and communicate their transformational progress. The voice of the student has become a true source of value.”
The PIR was created by business school experts together with global NGOs - WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact partner with PIR, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation & Fehr Advice, both from Switzerland.