All groups gave considerable attention to changes in the society in which they operate. There was a general consensus that Western society is undergoing an unprecedented period of change and that this appears to be accelerating. Technological advances are transforming communications and access to information; the retired population is growing whilst the working population diminishes; global economies are becoming increasingly interdependent; the ethnic and religious mix is transforming; the divide between the haves and have-nots is widening. There is an improved awareness of the social and environmental impacts of our actions; a decreasing allegiance to traditional power structures; an increasing complexity with regards to stakeholders and decision-making; a move from family groups to individualism; increasing customer (and employee) demands; and a climate of change and uncertainty.