Organizational considerations include topics that influence how senior leaders think about their organizations’ impact on the world around them. These topics are often important societal issues and very important to stakeholders.

There are numerous considerations and some of the most important today are the topics of diversity, equity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Increasingly, stakeholders (including employees and customers) are holding organizations accountable for what they do, how they do it, and the impact they make.

Sustainability

Although there are several definitions of sustainability, they all refer to some version of executing an organization’s business model to meet current needs while preserving or conserving natural resources for future generations. Sustainability also includes optimizing social equity, health, and economic viability to achieve desired outcomes. Business analysis professionals need to apply this view to their work and deliver on the organization’s sustainability objectives.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity (DEI)

We live and work in diverse societies, and organizations create products and services for various stakeholders. It can be challenging to create successful outcomes within this complex context. However, the research is clear: building diverse teams leads to greater innovation and better outcomes. Inclusivity means developing a sense of belonging for every member of these diverse teams. The third piece of the puzzle involves equity, where every team member is treated and rewarded fairly.

These concepts can not just be marketing labels but must be incorporated into how teams are built and outcomes delivered. The challenge for business analysis professionals is how best to support and deliver on the organization’s goals in these key areas through their work. For example, consider an initiative to replace desktop computers where the original equipment could be donated to a worthy cause instead of being thrown away. Or, for example, think about how to ensure diverse representation in a workshop focused on creating an innovative new product.