Social Impact

If your goal is to get 500,000 people to turn up on the Mall in Washington, D.C., Twitter is great at that. But if your goal is to make lasting change, you have to work within the system. —Sarah A. Soule, professor of organizational behavior
It Takes More Than Mass Protests to Drive Change
Audio
Speech That Empowers: How to Encourage Growth and Resilience in a Younger Audience
In this podcast episode, we discuss best practices when inspiring young people to seize responsibility.
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Explore the Podcast Series
A megaphone pointed at a brick wall. Credit: Alvaro Dominguez
The Activist’s Dilemma
Extreme actions draw attention to a cause but erode public support — and many protestors fail to see the link.

Executive Education

Leverage Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence
Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders
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Alumni Consulting Team for Nonprofits
Center for Social Innovation
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Insights and ideas on the management and leadership of nonprofit organizations.

Latest Stories on Social Impact

July 21, 2020
Written
Using Algorithms to Track Down Rapists
A Stanford scholar has developed a more efficient way to test DNA samples in the hunt for sex offenders.
Operations, Information & Technology
June 10, 2020
Written
The Rise of the ‘Liberaltarian’
Tech industry millionaires are moving the Democratic Party to the left on almost every issue except government regulation. Unions beware.
Political Economy
May 14, 2020
Written
The High Value of Virtual College Advising for Lower-Income Students
New research shows online advising improves college outcomes for underserved high schoolers.
Education
March 26, 2020
Written
Economists to Congress: Don’t Bail out Big Business
An open letter drafted by Stanford professors says the coronavirus stimulus package should benefit workers — not corporations and their wealthy shareholders.
Government
March 18, 2020
Written
Rethinking Workplace Education
Guild offers a data-driven approach to education benefits that has attracted the Fortune 500.
Entrepreneurship
February 14, 2020
Written
Democracy and Prosperity Require Uncorrupted Governments
We don’t have to choose between capitalism and socialism. What we need is a system in which corporations can thrive without distorting the economy — or democracy itself.
Government
February 11, 2020
Written
Everlane Takes On Fashion’s Plastic Problem
Founder and CEO Michael Preysman discusses the challenges of building a retail company based on sustainability and “radical transparency.”
Energy & Environment
January 31, 2020
Written
How Latino Entrepreneurs Can Boost the U.S. Economy
Latinos are launching businesses at an unprecedented pace, but barriers — some long-standing, some brand new — keep them from reaching their potential.
Economics
January 16, 2020
Video
Machine Learning and AI for Social Impact
Innovations developed at big tech firms could transform the nonprofit world, with a little help from academia.
Social Impact
January 09, 2020
Written
When Private-Sector Firms Create a Culture of Health
Investments in employees, consumers, communities, and the environment vary widely. A new study reveals this range and the hurdles to measuring success.
Health Care
December 09, 2019
Written
9 Top Videos of 2019
Hear career advice from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella or learn how to build your startup team.
Career & Success
December 06, 2019
Written
Gift List: 10 Books to Share for the Holidays
Stanford GSB professors recommend the books they’re most likely to give as presents over this year’s holiday season.
Career & Success
November 27, 2019
Video
Water Instead of Soda: Marketing Good Nutrition to Kids
How marketers are using the power of persuasion to combat childhood obesity.
Social Impact
November 13, 2019
Video
Uncovering Stereotypes in Classroom Materials
How bias creeps into the language of leadership.
Social Impact
November 07, 2019
Written
Exploring the Human Side of Artificial Intelligence
At an AI forum, experts say the arrival of superhuman machine intelligence will be one of the biggest events in human history.
Innovation
October 28, 2019
Written
Big Data and Racial Bias: Can That Ghost Be Removed from the Machine?
Credit-market algorithms may violate anti-discrimination laws even when they’re designed not to. A Stanford researcher looks for a fix.
Big Data
October 22, 2019
Written
How Stanford GSB Alums Created One of the Most Valuable Startups in Latin America
São Paulo-based Nubank, valued at $10 billion, is disrupting the region’s banking sector.
Entrepreneurship
October 18, 2019
Written
Turning the Pharmaceutical Model Upside-Down
How a nonprofit gave birth to a company that aims to disrupt Big Pharma.
Social Impact
September 13, 2019
Video
Do Soda Taxes Create Healthier Communities?
Data from Philadelphia tells the story.
Social Impact
July 18, 2019
Written
It Takes More Than Mass Protests to Drive Change
Social advocacy organizations have greater impact on federal legislation when their experts get to testify.
Social Impact