Philosophy and Culture Statement
Vision
Helping people achieve their dreams through Free Enterprise education
We believe that the best way to improve the lives of others is through Free Enterprise practiced morally.
Our mission is to provide college students the best opportunity to make difference and to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills through learning, practicing, and teaching the principles of free enterprise.
Our leadership philosophy is “Tell me and I will forget, show me and I might remember, involve me and I will learn.” Our students learn more by teaching others and they teach more using hands-on learning.
Our community service philosophy is “Give me a fish, I eat for a day; teach me to fish and I eat for a lifetime.” We encourage SIFE students to learn that the best way to help people in the long run is to equip and inspire them to use God-given talents to the best of their abilities.
We consider the free enterprise education to include teaching four components:
1. How free markets work in the global economy.
2. How entrepreneurs succeed by identifying a market need and then profitably producing and marketing a product or service to fill that need.
3. The personal, entrepreneurial, communications, technology and financial management skills needed to successfully compete.
4. Practicing business in an ethical and socially responsible manner that supports the principles of a market economy.
We believe that in a market economy a business cannot succeed in the long run without practicing good business ethics, honesty, and integrity towards their customers, associates, shareholders and communities.
We believe that a market economy cannot achieve its fullest potential and succeed in the long run unless it is based on the Rule of Law, protection of the property rights and the enforceability of contracts.
We will treat all people with respect, dignity, and fairness. We will act with integrity, honesty, and trust. We will foster an environment in all of our interactions and events that encourages teamwork, accountability, personal growth, and enjoyment. We will continually strive for improvement. We will seek and accept changes as necessary for success. We will value innovation and responsible risk-taking. We will reward and recognize the contributions of all our customers.
