At Manhattan Strategy Group, “Social Capitalism” Creates Major Success in Government Marketplace
November 12, 2018

BETHESDA, MD – Manhattan Strategy Group (MSG), a social sciences and management consulting firm based in Bethesda, MD, had a record year, which MSG executives credit to the company’s adoption of “social capitalism,” a business philosophy that emphasizes mission and meaning over profit maximization.

Shezad Habib, MSG Founder, President and Managing Director, describes social capitalism as “a non-transactional connection of people to purposes that contribute to societal improvement.” Organizations with mission-driven employees foster loyalty and interdependence and strengthen internal and client relationships. Companies that apply social norms in a business setting often achieve greater organizational success.

In 2018, MSG won several new contracts from agencies including the Departments of Education, Labor, Agriculture, and Health and Human Services, as well as the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the National Endowment for the Arts. MSG strives to combine top-notch services, approaches, and innovation with caring in a business setting. The company focuses on work that brings solutions to the areas of education, workforce development, and human services.

MSG’s social capitalism philosophy is the first step in the next stage of the company’s organizational development. “MSG has found that combining a culture of service with its entrepreneurial instincts has opened a new world of possibility. We want to bring our unique blend of ideals, not only to our work, but to the broader community,” said Habib.

Supporting Habib in driving MSG’s growth is a strong and respected leadership team that shares the company philosophy: Barbara Rudin, Ph.D., Executive Vice President; Anne Chamberlain, Director of Research and Evaluation; Laura Lanier, Senior Director of Technical Assistance; and Kim McCarley, Director of Business Development.

In addition to its business growth, the company partnered with The Citizen’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization, to build a school in Pakistan that provides free education to over 100 disadvantaged youths. The company also launched MSG Cares, a philanthropic matching program that partners with local charities and community organizations focused on children, youth, and families; career pathways; early childhood and adult education; family engagement; nutrition assistance; and homelessness.