Definition
Starting from zero every budget cycle instead of just tweaking last year's numbers—micromanagement theater.
Example Usage
We're implementing zero-based budgeting to make sure every dollar is justified.
Origin
Management philosophy developed in the 1970s
Fun Fact
Zero-based budgeting sounds good but mostly results in everyone inflating their estimates
Source: Corporate budgeting and financial management terminology
Related Terms
Translate This Term
See “Zero-Based Budgeting” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
Try the Translator