A "worthy organization" is one that has earned the continued and enthusiastic support of those upon whom it relies to exist, prosper, and grow - its customers, employees, and owners. 
 
In recent decades, the worthy organization had come to seem a bit old-fashioned, as Wall Street punished firms that quaintly insisted on a long-run focus.
 
As we begin 2009, and as the world struggles to recover from the destruction that this short-run focus has wrought, we are now seeing shifts in public opinion, as well as the political and regulatory environment.  It will once again be both fashionable and good business to get back to value creation for the long-term.  The worthy organization is now ascendant. 
 
What are the defining attributes of worthy organizations?
1. They earn the support of their stakeholders by continuously seeking to create win-win economic exchanges

 

2. They focus on long-run, sustainable value creation

 

3. They recognize that it is impossible to be a worthy organization without also being a worthy employer