This article was originally published on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 5 November 2013 – Ask sustainability executives about the most important leadership challenges facing their companies today and they’ll probably point to the task of integrating sustainability into core business functions. Not surprisingly, only one in five companies in a new survey reports having significant levels of integration of sustainability across the business. The findings, from the 2013 BSR/GlobeScan State of Sustainable Business Survey, tell us two things: Sustainability … “Survey Reveals Sustainability is Stalled at Most Companies”
Building upon the last post in this blog series on Building Resilient Corporate Reputations, we looked at the importance of an aligned organization. We also advocated using a customized approach to reputation management to ensure your company is asking the right questions to the right people. The next key step is for organizations to obtain a 360 degree perspective of their reputation, from people who know the organization well, but also from those who don’t. Many companies shortchange their reputation … “Is your reputation measurement system inclusive enough?”
In my previous post, I discussed the importance of understanding the external operating environment for best practice reputation management. It is equally important that companies understand the internal operating environment, to understand which approaches to reputation management will work best within the company’s culture. For a reputation management strategy to be successful and sustainable, it is critical that there be cross-functional buy-in and engagement across the business – people need to believe in the process and see reputation as “everyone’s … “Is your company aligned and are you asking the right questions?”
This article was originally published on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 5 September 2013 – A trend that continues to surprise me is the public’s continuing low level of recognition about companies’ efforts to improve their social and environmental performance and give back to communities. In one survey, the proportion of respondents across 14 countries who have heard some or a lot about these efforts barely has changed in the past seven years, and more than 1 in … “Why Firms Fall Short on Touting Their Sustainability Work”
This article was originally published on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 4 July 2013 – Given the lack of momentum on the global sustainability agenda in recent years, an atmosphere of mutual frustration between various levels of society is understandable. If nothing else, it inclines some to ask: Who do we turn to in order to drive the agenda forward? When our panel of sustainability experts at GlobeScan is asked whether we need more supply of or demand … “Should Supply or Demand Drive Sustainable Products?”
On June 13, 2013, the UN Global Compact officially launched the Canadian Local Network. GlobeScan, along with six founding signatory companies – Barrick Gold Corp, Scotiabank, Suncor Energy, Teck Resources Limited, TELUS, and Unilever Canada – helped to drive the initiative, which now has over 80 Canadian signatories from a wide range of sectors and industries. The UN Global Compact is inviting other leading organizations to join the Canadian Network in a unique opportunity for companies and organizations across Canada to: … “GlobeScan Helps Launch the UN Global Compact’s Canadian Local Network”
This article by Eric Whan originally appeared on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 7 June 2013 – A protest against genetically modified (GM) foods took place in 250 cities around the world late last month. Two million people took part, according to organizers. In light of the March Against Monsanto, as the event was dubbed, and the undeniable pressure the global food system faces to meet the needs of a projected 9 billion people by 2050, it is timely to revisit … “What Companies are Missing in the Outcry Against GM Crops”
This article by Eric Whan originally appeared on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 15 May 2013 – Each year, GlobeScan’s Sustainability Leaders survey asks experts to name a company they regard as a leader in sustainability. As Joel Makower noted recently, one company above all others — Unilever — has emerged as the sustainability champion par excellence in recent years, thanks to its highly ambitious Sustainable Living Plan. And this year, more than one in four experts mention the company is stretching its lead over the … “When Will Emerging Economies Embrace Sustainability?”
Download the Press Release (PDF) 18 April 2013 – As Earth Day approaches (Monday 22 April), a GlobeScan poll of American public opinion has found that Superstorm Sandy last October appears to have increased the perceived seriousness of climate change, much as Hurricane Katrina affected public opinion seven years ago. GlobeScan surveyed a representative sample of 1,000 Americans by telephone last month (March 2013) and found the percentage of Americans rating climate as “very serious” increased from 39 percent (in 2011) … “Weather Drives American Public’s Climate Concern”
This article by GlobeScan Chairman, Doug Miller originally appeared on GreenBiz.com, as part of our Proof Points blog series. 12 April 2013 – One challenge U.S. companies face in dealing with global issues is the significant difference that sometimes exists between public opinion in America and in the rest of the world. Nowhere has the difference in perspective and opinion been more evident than in concern over climate change. For much of the decade between 1995 to 2005, Americans were significantly less concerned … “How Companies and Weather May Sway Public Opinion on Climate”