With increased pressure from regulators and stakeholders, two-thirds of Corporate Affairs professionals are now worried about being accused of “greenwashing” or making exaggerated environmental claims, up from just over half in 2022. This sharp increase in concern suggests that Corporate Affairs professionals are taking the consequences of greenwashing more seriously. New regulations, increased awareness of environmental issues, and the threat of investor pressure may lead many companies to become more cautious in their communications to avoid reputational damage and other repercussions of making … “Insight of the Week: Fear of Greenwashing Accusations Rises Among Corporate Affairs Professionals”
In our annual survey of global Corporate Affairs professionals, GlobeScan partners with Oxford University’s Saïd Business School to understand global trends, priorities, challenges, and best practices in the arena of Corporate Affairs. We recently hosted a webinar to discuss the key findings from our 2023 survey, featuring special guest panellists from Syngenta, AB InBev, and Vodacom South Africa. Highlights of the Annual Survey:
Who are the leaders and why are they seen as trendsetters in corporate affairs? Together with findings from the Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey, we are sharing our insights and advice on the crucial role and responsibilities of the Corporate Affairs function in today’s complex world. The first e-Brief in our new series explores ‘Defining Corporate Affairs Leadership.’ We take a look at what it takes to achieve recognition from peers, and how Corporate Affairs teams can continue to evolve … “What Defines Corporate Affairs Leadership in 2022? A GlobeScan e-Brief”
A strong majority of Corporate Affairs professionals across the world believe that societal expectations for purposeful leadership from companies will grow in the coming years. Responding to these growing societal expectations will likely mean more focus on corporate purpose and demonstrations of a positive impact on society. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey of 221 Corporate Affairs and corporate communications professionals across 23 countries
In our annual survey of global Corporate Affairs professionals, GlobeScan partners with Oxford University’s Saïd Business School to understand global trends, priorities, challenges, and best practices in the arena of Corporate Affairs. Our latest survey took place in the context of businesses having to come to terms with new challenges that have arisen from high inflation, post-COVID ways of working, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Geopolitical risk and uncertainty has become the number one Corporate Affairs priority since last … “Geopolitical Risk and Uncertainty is the Number One Corporate Affairs Priority”
Insight of the Week: Corporate Affairs Roles Are Increasingly Focused on Social Context for Business
Considering how the context within which the Corporate Affairs function has changed in recent years, Corporate Affairs professionals report that capturing the social context within which business operates has grown in prominence compared to three years ago. Other activities that are increasing in prominence are addressing climate risk and an increasing focus on good internal communications. This suggests that the Corporate Affairs function is evolving to better address sustainability and ESG issues as a part of daily activities. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan … “Insight of the Week: Corporate Affairs Roles Are Increasingly Focused on Social Context for Business”
In a world where broad-based social movements are progressively mobilising around issues such as diversity, inclusion, equality, and corruption, Corporate Affairs professionals are increasingly recognising the impact of political populism and the growing polarisation and instability that it brings. The uncertainty it introduces is seen as a rising concern. Since 2020, these risks have grown, with nearly half of Corporate Affairs professionals expressing this as a risk to business, up significantly from last year. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs … “Insight of the Week: Political Populism and Polarisation Is Increasingly Seen to Be a Risk to Business”
Unilever, Anglo American, Apple, BP, and Nestlé are viewed as being the leaders in Corporate Affairs according to the 2022 Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey. The Corporate Affairs function plays a strong role as a convenor working with stakeholders inside and outside of the company. Along with the role being well integrated across an organization, stakeholders point to managing business risk, having a clear purpose, a coherent narrative, and stakeholder engagement as key factors for being a recognized leader in Corporate Affairs. Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global … “Insight of the Week: Top Ten Corporate Affairs Leaders”
As companies communicate more about environmental and social topics, they also face scrutiny about their actions and impacts. Where there is a perceived disconnect between statements of intent and actual activities, accusations of greenwashing soon follow. According to Corporate Affairs professionals, just over one in five organizations have been accused of greenwashing in the past. This is particularly common among respondents in Europe (32%) and the consumer products/retail sectors (41%). Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2022, n=221, 2022
Oxford and GlobeScan convened a panel and roundtable discussion on 8 December with members of the Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Council. The event featured some global public opinion insights on the shifting expectations of the global public regarding the Climate Agenda by Chris Coulter, GlobeScan CEO, and perspectives from Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Head of Corporate Affairs & Chief Sustainability Officer, Reckitt, on experiences at and key takeaways from COP26. The session was moderated by Rupert Younger, Director, Oxford University Centre for Corporate … “Impact of COP26 on the Corporate Affairs Function”