Published 09-12-12
Submitted by Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
We all know the imperatives that are used to compel corporations to make social and environmental investments. Whether talking about poverty, climate change, food security, or water scarcity – it is clear that we need solutions, and our need becomes more urgent each year.
Corporate decision makers may sometimes agree that those investments are needed but may also feel that they are not appropriate for the corporation to make because they do not see the connection to business success.
The State of Corporate Citizenship captures executive perspectives about where corporate citizenship can make contributions not only to solving social and environmental problems affecting the business context, but also where it can strengthen business performance if it is appropriately designed and resourced. Several findings in our study suggest that corporations can help solve social and environmental problems without diminishing financial performance – and that some investments may strengthen business performance.
Among the many insights derived from our soon-to-be-released report, findings suggest there are four areas that should be considered to optimize success:
These and other findings of the 2012 State of Corporate Citizenship survey make it clear that a well-established corporate citizenship program that connects with the core business, aligns with strategy, and meets stakeholder expectations, can boost business performance even while addressing social and environmental problems. Executives responding to the survey affirm the value of corporate citizenship. The majority report that in the face of a challenging economy, their firms remain committed to almost all dimensions of citizenship.
When asked about future levels of investment, respondents predict they will be sustained or increased for all areas of citizenship. This demonstration of sustained commitment from executives – accompanied by a long-view of its value – positions corporate citizenship to deliver solid returns for business, the community, and the planet.
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+.