25 INSIGHT | Doing business The American business magazine Inc. gives the definition of sustainable growth as “the realistically attainable growth that a company could maintain without running into problems.” Directly related to sustainable growth is the term sustainable growth rate, usually abbreviated as SGR, which Inc. refers to “the maximum growth rate that a company can sustain without having to increase financial leverage.” As the moral of the Aesop fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” famously went, “Slow and steady wins the race,” alluding to the idea that consistent productivity and commitment over time is more fruitful in the long run than hastily rushing processes. The challenge facing modern companies is knowing how to determine a precise pace, and then keep consistent with it, while also remaining competitive in their respective markets. There is much talk in our current discourse about “building sustainability” for the generations to come. Usually, however, this is discussed in the realm of environmental policy. It is less common to hear discussions of sustainable growth as related to small businesses, large corporations, and every enterprise in between. But sustainable growth, though it comes with challenges, is ethical and essential for current and future communities to thrive Definition of SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
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