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”
The perceived urgency of climate change has risen steadily in the past decade, with sustainability experts today almost unanimously calling climate change an urgent issue. As climate concern grows, so do expectations for companies and brands to focus on delivering impact, not only on their own performance but also for the broader sustainability agenda. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
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
Considering how the war in Ukraine will affect sustainability in the long term, experts are most likely to say it will accelerate the use of renewable energy. However, many also acknowledge that it may be a distraction in the short term, and some believe that it will draw attention and resources from the sustainable development agenda in the longer term. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
Compared with five years ago, sustainability experts today are more likely to say that national governments, the private sector, and multi-sector partnerships should drive sustainable development. As pressure grows on these groups, experts are also less likely to expect leadership from The United Nations. Following The United Nations’ launch of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, experts may now be looking to national governments and business to implement the sustainability agenda. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 … “Insight of the Week: Growing Expectations for National Governments to Lead on Sustainable Development in Coming Decades”
Along with integration, experts are increasingly looking for evidence of impacts and actions when it comes to corporate sustainability leadership. Compared with four years ago, experts are more likely to recognize companies as sustainability leaders because they share impactful results of their sustainability initiatives. While purpose and goals remain important, growing attention to greenwashing means that claims need to be reinforced with tangible results. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Institute by ERM Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia … “Insight of the Week: Integration and Impact Are Key Indicators of Recognized Corporate Sustainability Leadership”
Across all sectors and geographies, sustainability experts are most likely to name World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as the leading NGO for advancing sustainable development. Overall, mentions of NGOs have declined in recent years, which could indicate an expectation that these organizations should be doing more to mobilize efforts on sustainable development. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
Three in ten sustainability experts name Unilever as sustainability leader, followed by Patagonia. These companies have maintained their leadership positions over the last decade, with other companies increasingly being recognized for their sustainability efforts. Microsoft makes the top five for the first time, behind Natura &Co and IKEA. Source: GlobeScan/SustainAbility Survey of over 700 experts representing business, government, NGOs, and academia across 73 countries
In almost every country surveyed, more than three in four people say children need to spend time in nature. This feeling is particularly strong in emerging markets but is also prominent in more industrialized countries as well. This suggests that children and future generations can be a powerful driver in motivating people to preserve nature. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors around nature
Across 11 countries surveyed, people are most likely to say that documentaries, scientists, friends and family, and nature NGOs are the most trusted sources for information on nature. Fewer than half trust business leaders or celebrity spokespeople. As consumers pay more attention to nature claims, businesses can build credibility by publicly supporting nature scientists, films and NGOs, and helping to amplify their message. Source: Navigating the Nature Agenda, a GlobeScan survey of 10,996 respondents across 11 countries on perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors … “Insight of the Week: Public Trusts Information on Nature from Documentaries, Scientists, Friends & NGOs Twice as Much as from Business”