The PIR is a rating conducted by students and for students. For the third time, students worldwide assessed their business schools on how they perceive their positive impact in the world. The positive impact of business schools goes beyond their contribution to business and the economy; it addresses the need for their positive impact for society.
Students assessed how GEM addresses societal and sustainable challenges and prepares its students to be responsible business leaders. The data collection was organized and led by ImpAct and the Sustanability Hub, who distributed the PIR survey across campus to their fellow students. This year 444 GEM' students responded to the survey.
The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions that sit within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across five levels. The different levels refer to the developmental stage of the business school, rating it by a certain level of achievement. Business schools are provided with a defined social impact and a tool that they can use for change.
Prof. Thomas Dyllick, PIR Founder & Member of the Supervisory Board said: "While future students now have an alternative source to select their business school, schools refer to the PIR primarily to measure and communicate their transformational progress. The voice of the student has become a true source of value."
The PIR was created by concerned business school experts together with global NGOs - WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC, and Net Impact partner with PIR, supported by VIVA Idea (Costa Rica), The Institute for Business Sustainability Foundation & Fehr Advice, both from Switzerland.
