Chapter 06 · Governance & regulationDevelopment, Impact & Global Frameworks
People, planet, profit
Definition
People, planet, profit is a shorthand for considering social, environmental and economic dimensions of performance or value.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “People, planet, profit” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
People, planet, profit should be read as a development and impact term. Its meaning depends on the affected population, institutional context, geography, evidence base and power relationships involved.
In practice, users should state whose perspective is being considered, what outcome is intended and what limitations apply. That keeps people, planet, profit from becoming a broad claim detached from lived context or evidence.
Why it matters
People, planet, profit matters because development language can influence funding, accountability, rights, participation and claims about impact. Clear wording helps readers distinguish aspiration, programme design, measured outcome and social context.
Common misconception
A common error is to use People, planet, profit as universally positive without examining who benefits, who carries risk and who has voice in the decision.
Review questions
Who is affected, who decides and who is accountable? What evidence supports the claimed outcome? What local context or limitation should shape interpretation?
How it is used
In professional practice, “People, planet, profit” helps standard setters, scheme owners, certification bodies, auditors and organisations seeking assurance describe or assess a shorthand for considering social, environmental and economic dimensions of performance or value. It is commonly encountered in standards, certification, conformity assessment, audits, controls and assurance engagements.
A credible application identifies the named standard or scheme, version, scope, criteria, assurance level and competent decision-maker.