Global Management Studies (GMS) 200 Practice Exam

Sustainable development is the idea of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It comes from the Brundtland Report and now serves as a guiding framework for policy and business, calling for a balance of economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. In practice, this means choosing actions that are economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible—like investing in renewable energy, conserving resources, and reducing pollution so resources remain available for future generations. The other terms don’t fit this concept: culture is about beliefs and practices, the World Trade Organization is an institution for setting trade rules, and protectionism is a policy to shield domestic industries from foreign competition. Sustainable development best captures the idea of aligning today’s actions with the welfare of future generations.