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The following definition is endorsed by the Boards of the International Social Marketing Association, European Social Marketing Association, and Australian Association of Social Marketing.

Social Marketing seeks to develop and integrate marketing concepts with other approaches to influence behaviours that benefit individuals and communities for the greater social good.Social Marketing practice is guided by ethical principles. It seeks to integrate research, best practice, theory, audience and partnership insight, to inform the delivery of competition sensitive and segmented social change programmes that are effective, efficient, equitable and sustainable.

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The Process of Developing the Consensus Definition

In developing a consensus definition of Social Marketing iSMA, ESMA and AASMworking group acknowledged the dynamic and contested nature of elements of Social Marketing theory and practice as a strength and manifestation of the sophisticated nature of the Social Marketing field. In developing a consensus definition the intention was not to close down the helpful and inevitable on-going debate about the nature and focus of Social Marketing. The aim was to help build a common narrative that could be used by the supporting associations to promote Social Marketing as a valuable core component of social programmes aimed at improving the human condition.

In February 2012 iSMA and ESMA began an iterative and inclusive process to develop a consensus definition of Social Marketing. A working group was formed to lead this work onbehalf of iSMA and ESMA[2]. In April 2013 the AASM agreed to participate and contribute to this process.

The process consisted of a membership trawl to develop a set of agreed principles of Social Marketing to underpin the definition. The process also included an online members vote on these principles; a summary of the survey results is set out in annex two. All members of the participating associations were given opportunities to see the developing definition, comment and make suggestions for improvements. The definition was further refined through an iterative process of drafting and comment by the working group and input from the Boards of the supporting associations. Five considerations were taken into account when developing the definition:

Endorsement

Following Board meetings of the three associations over the summer of 2013the consensus definition was endorsed by the governing Boards of the iSMA, ESMA and AASM. The Boards have also approved additional work to refine and further develop supporting guidance linked to the consensus definition. This work will include:

Annexe 1: Working Group Members:

A Tapp, R Brophy , M Carausan, J Carruthers, S Peattie, S Revill, M Chamberlain , N Lee, S Sherif , T Beall, W Morgan , C Lellig, S Suggs, J French.

Annexe 2: Summary of Social Marketing principles rated as essential or important by 167 respondents to the iSMA and ESMA Key Principles & Definitions Survey

KP ID

Description

Essential + Important (% total responses)

Rank

KP 2

Set and measure behavioural objectives

83

1

KP 3

Uses audience insight and research

81

2

KP 1

Focus on the production of social good

79

3

KP 5

Use audience segmentation to understand and target interventions

76

4

KP 13

Apply data, research, evidence and behavioural theory in developing programmes

73

5

KP 22

Rigorous evaluation and reporting of short-term impacts, ROI and longer-term outcomes

73

6

KP 6

Use systematic planning and marketing management methodology

68

7

KP 4

Undertake competition analysis and develop competitor intervention strategies

67

8

KP 20

Apply and be guided by an ethical analysis and standards

66

9

KP 21

Apply commercial marketing theory and practice to social challenges

61

10

KP 7

Focus on up-stream, mid-stream and down-stream audiences

58

11

KP 17

Analyse communication channels & other forms of influence

57

12

KP 8

Inform and shape the total social policy intervention mix

54

13

KP 11

Focus on creating value for citizens and civil society through valued negative exchanges

51

14

KP 10

Focus on creating value for citizens and civil society through valued voluntary exchange

50

15

KP 12

Undertake stakeholder analysis and apply relationship management strategies

49

16

KP 16

Consider applying the 4Cs tool box (Lauterborne)

43

17

KP 9

Understand and use forms of influences that draw on rational choice & rapid cognition

42

18

KP 14

Design programmes that aim to increase social equity

42

19

KP 19

Analyse the potential costs and benefits of supporting and/or partnering with private

sector organisations

42

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Social Marketing Definition