Article Title
Mission and Magis: Strategic Planning in the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus
Abstract
Part VII of the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus addresses “The distribution of the incorporated members in Christ’s vineyard and their relations with their fellowmen.” In the process of presenting guidelines for assigning the members of the Society to various works, Ignatius reveals an approach to strategic planning that is richer than models in use today. Mission and Magis rather than simply goals and objectives. “Learning” the environment, not just scanning it. Preemptively attending to human resources. Focusing on “works which continue longer and are of more lasting value.” His genius lay, not in charming style like that of St. Theresa or St. Francis de Sales, nor in speculative wisdom like that of St. Thomas, but more in the practical wisdom of an apostolic organizer.
