Published 09-23-09
Submitted by Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
The 2009 State of Corporate Citizenship survey results reveal that, despite the recession, corporate citizenship practices are ingrained in increasing numbers of American businesses. Many business leaders report that attention to corporate citizenship efforts is more important in a recession. As in the 2007 survey, the most recent data show that attitudes of support for corporate citizenship are strong but there remain some gaps between those beliefs and the practices and investments of some businesses.
"Corporate citizenship is weathering the storm. Despite the economic downturn, the value of corporate citizenship is growing as companies realize greater reputational advantage," said Chris Pinney, Director of Research and Policy at the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship. "The survey also reveals companies are more committed to communicating about their efforts related to social issues and concern for the environment."
Barbara Dyer, President and CEO of The Hitachi Foundation, added: "As we've been flooded by announcements of business cutbacks and misconduct over these past months, trust in business dropped. Many members of the public have undoubtedly wondered if some corporations should have their citizenship curtailed or revoked. This survey shows that business leaders understand that corporate citizenship entails great responsibilities as well as extensive rights. Most are diligently working and investing toward improving their efforts to more fully meet these responsibilities."
The 2009 State of Corporate Citizenship in the United States is a joint project of the Boston College Center and The Hitachi Foundation. It is the only research of its kind to provide a comprehensive overview of small, medium, and large-sized U.S. businesses.
Highlights of the survey, include:
Conducted by GlobeScan between June 4 and June 23 of this year, the survey queried 756 executives, 36% of whom were at small businesses (1-99 employees), 24% at medium (100-999), and 40% at large companies (1000 + employees). The biennial survey was first conducted in 2003.
The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship is a membership-based research organization associated with the Carroll School of Management. It is committed to helping business leverage its social, economic and human assets to ensure both its success and a more just and sustainable world. As a leading resource on corporate citizenship, the Center works with global corporations to help them define, plan, and operationalize their corporate citizenship. Through the insights of its 350 corporate members, the Center creates knowledge, value, and demand for corporate citizenship.
The Hitachi Foundation was established as an independent nonprofit philanthropic organization by Hitachi, Ltd. in 1985. Governed by a Board of Directors composed of highly accomplished Americans, the Foundation seeks to discover and expand business practices that create tangible and enduring economic opportunities for low-wealth Americans, their families, and the communities in which they reside.
The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship connects professionals with research, insights on corporate social responsibility and management education opportunities. Founded by the Carroll School of Management, we help our member companies know more, do more and achieve more with their corporate citizenship programs. We engage over 400 member companies and more than 10,000 individuals annually to share knowledge and expertise about the practice of corporate citizenship through our executive education program, research, courses, and our annual conference. For more information on our courses, research and membership, visit ccc.bc.edu. Connect with Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship: Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook & Google+.