ECONOMY

Corporate Responsibility

Switzerland Could Soon Be the First Country to Hold Corporations Responsible for Supply Chain Injustices

Switzerland will soon vote to hold any company headquartered in the country legally responsible for human rights and environmental violations in their supply chain.

Roya Sabri

November 20, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Gently But Firmly, Walmart CEO Pushes the Case for a Swift Transition of Power

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon took a potentially life-saving step during a quarterly conference call on Tuesday — and he's not the only CEO standing up for a swift and peaceful transition of presidential power in the U.S.

Tina Casey

November 20, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink On Business Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Speaking at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's 2020 Corporate Citizenship Conference on Tuesday, Fink shared his perspective on the state of business leadership amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mary Mazzoni

November 19, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Purpose: How Companies Drive Community Impact

Guiding the Post-Pandemic Recovery

As we work to recover from the devastation that has shaken communities across our country, we are presented with a remarkable opportunity to rebuild better, says this financial executive.

Andy Navarrete

November 16, 2020

Finance

When The Dominoes Fall: How The Twin Crises of 2020 Are Transforming Clean Investing

The coronavirus pandemic and the increasing urgency of the climate crisis have prompted a rising interest in clean investing.

Zain Jaffer

November 13, 2020

Finance

Mitigating the COVID-19 Fallout in Africa Through Infrastructure Investment

As the effects of the coronavirus pandemic unfold across Africa, governments, civil society and the private sector can cushion the blow, if they act decisively.

Shegun Adjadi Bakari

November 13, 2020

Sponsored

Social Investment for an Inclusive Future: Creating the World We Want to See

Cisco Demonstrates How Social Investment Can Power an Inclusive Future

Cisco’s social investment model focuses on helping nonprofits serve communities better, specifically by scaling early-phase, technology solutions with the potential to drive inclusivity and empowerment for all. 

Amy Brown

November 12, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

How One Email About Feeling Seen at Work Translated Into Thousands in Donations to Social Justice Groups

This workplace story from PwC is a testament to what can happen when colleagues are seen, heard and supported in their workplaces — and when teams band together in support of a common cause.

Mary Mazzoni

November 12, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

With a Second Stimulus Bill in Limbo, Chobani Steps Up for Workers

Chobani has pledged to increase its starting hourly wage to at least $15 an hour, which is more than double the national minimum wage of $7.25.

Ellen Delisio

November 9, 2020

Finance

Mastercard Invests to Help Women Entrepreneurs Recover From COVID-19

Mastercard linked up with CNote, an impact investment fund founded by women, to help women entrepreneurs recover from economic hardship tied to COVID-19.

James Byrne

November 5, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Back from the Brink: U.S. Chamber of Commerce Finds Its Footing in the 2020 Election Cycle

A few years ago, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce was teetering on the edge of irrelevancy, as members questioned its stance on issues like climate change, but it showed signs of a radical shift leading up to Election Day.

Tina Casey

November 4, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

This Software Company Made its Family Leave Policy Far More Inclusive

Executives at the software company Xero decided to enhance its already generous family leave policy with additional time and more inclusive language.

Ellen Delisio

November 2, 2020

Finance

Stop Allowing This Decision-Making Strategy to Inhibit Climate Resilience Progress

The need to plan for long-term resilience is apparent now more than ever, which is why companies need to rethink processes like the cost-benefit analysis.

Joyce Coffee

November 2, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Purpose: How Companies Drive Community Impact

Beyond Inclusion: Fostering Belonging in Times of Crisis

Researchers at McKinsey and the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business have identified belonging as a key component to building true inclusion within companies. Here's how one firm put it into practice.

Abha Malpani Naismith

November 2, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Sifting a CSR Lesson from the Ashes of the Trump Presidency

The energy industry is often assumed to be a huge beneficiary of the Trump presidency, but the data suggests that is hardly the case after all.

Tina Casey

October 30, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Tech Is the Solution to a Planet in Peril, but We Must Act Now

In the COVID-19 era, the tech sector can have an huge impact, from eliminating single-use plastics to transforming supply chains to innovating for good.

Christoph Schell

October 23, 2020

Finance

With Greenwood, Black Lives Matter Brings its Powerful Message to Online Banking

A new Black-owned bank, Greenwood, is poised to break through, thanks to online technology and the persistence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Tina Casey

October 14, 2020

Finance

Indonesia's Labor Rights and Sustainability Now at Risk, Say Critics of a Massive 'Jobs' Bill

Indonesia's landmark stimulus bill has left investors and companies concerned about future of the country's environmental sustainability and labor rights.

James Byrne

October 13, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

The Feds Made It Clear an Equitable U.S. Economy Isn’t a Priority. Businesses Should Pick Up the Slack, Say Citizens

New evidence suggests companies across America need to do more to ensure the U.S. economy works for all, not only a select few.

Leon Kaye

October 6, 2020

Finance

With Oceans in Peril, This Fund Seeks to Reverse the Decline

Credit Suisse is launching a new impact fund that will focus on companies providing innovative solutions that can boost ocean sustainability.

James Byrne

October 6, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

What Do Employees Seek in Business Leadership? They Want to Feel They’re Part of Something That Matters

Glassdoor recently ranked CEOs based on how they've responded during this crisis - and the results offer a huge lesson for business leadership.

Rasha Rehman

October 5, 2020

Finance

For BlackRock, Circularity Is Off to a $900 Million Start

BlackRock says its investment fund focused on the circular economy raised $900 million since launching a year ago - up from $20 million since its rollout.

James Byrne

October 2, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Companies Can’t Afford to Ignore Forced Labor in China Anymore

Researchers keep uncovering a massive expansion of forced labor programs in China that have literally enslaved hundreds of thousands of innocent people.

Nithin Coca

October 1, 2020

Finance

A Conversation on the Challenges of Growing ESG Investing Worldwide

We continue our conversation on the convergence between corporate sustainability and ESG investing as together, they help drive systemic market changes.

Amy Brown

September 30, 2020

Finance

ESG Pioneer Georg Kell on the Power of a Crisis to Shake Up Markets

More money than ever is pouring into sustainable ESG investments - we interviewed the author Georg Kell to learn about what's fueling this trend.

Amy Brown

September 29, 2020

Finance

Despite Skeptics, Sustainable Investing Holds Firm for Green COVID-19 Recovery

The pandemic has strongly tested sustainable investing, and despite red flags raised by skeptics, analysts believe sustainable funds can still perform well.

Tina Casey

September 29, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Grow with Purpose: Inspiring Others to Create Change

This year has shown that every business must continue to reflect on its purpose, and how to reconcile growth with a clean and healthy planet.

Shweta Harit

September 28, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

The New GRI Definition of Materiality: Forward or Backward?

An update to the GRI standards for ESG reporting redefines materiality, and this op-ed questions whether the results will be helpful in the long term.

Antonio Vives

September 28, 2020

Finance

Worldwide, 40% of Asset Managers ‘Still Not Engaging’ on Climate Change

The financial sector overall has been taking climate change seriously in recent years, but for many asset managers, the response to these risks is crickets.

Roger Aitken

September 25, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

The Race to Establish ESG Reporting Standards Must Be a Race to the Top

The quest to achieve a single set of widely accepted standardized indicators for ESG reporting reached a new stage this week, but many challenges lie ahead.

Richard Howitt

September 24, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

How Should Companies Lead in Troubled Times? Allyship Is Only a Start

Companies must decide if they are mere bystanders during this season of upheaval, or can they lead - in part by starting to demonstrate allyship.

Edward Quevedo

September 24, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

The B Corp Movement Starts Recruiting Multinationals

The organization that's behind the certification of B Corps is now targeting multinationals as a force to improve the role of business worldwide.<br />

Amelia Ahl

September 21, 2020

Finance

Climate Change is Hurting Community and Agricultural Banks

A recent report from the U.S. federal government highlighted climate risks for the financial sector. Big banks will likely weather the storm in the near term, but one part of the financial system is already reeling: community and agricultural banks. 

Kate Robertson

September 18, 2020

Finance

FTSE Russell Launches Data Model to Measure the Global Green Economy

FTSE Russell launched a tool that measures the “green revenues” of over 16,000 firms comprising 98.5 percent of the global market value of listed companies.

Roger Aitken

September 17, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Female Entrepreneurs Shine Best When They Tell Their Own Stories, In Their Own Words

In their book about female entrepreneurs, the authors John Smythe and Ruth Saunders let accomplished business women share their own stories.

Ellen Delisio

September 14, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Business Lessons from 2020: COVID-19 is Only the Start

It shouldn't take a crystal ball to identify economic opportunities in the COVID-19 era, as today's crises offer countless lessons to business leaders.

John Friedman

September 14, 2020

Alternative Economies

Dear Milton Friedman: An Ode and a Rebuttal

Fifty years ago, Milton Friedman made his most famous statement: the sole purpose of a business is to produce profit for shareholders. How things have changed.

Carol Cone

September 13, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Rock Climbing has an Opportunity to Become More Inclusive — and More Resilient

A big concern for the rock climbing industry during this pandemic is longevity, but more inclusive efforts can strengthen this sport for the long run.

Roya Sabri

September 11, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

These Multinationals Are Calling for Stronger Legal Protections of Human Rights

A group of multinationals says it's supporting legislation that would mandate the “legal duty of care” for human rights and the environment.

Leon Kaye

September 3, 2020

Finance

As More Hotels Close, Some See an Opportunity for Affordable Housing

As the pandemic forces more hotels across the U.S. to close, at least one developer sees opportunity in converting them into affordable housing.

Leon Kaye

September 3, 2020

Alternative Economies

One Year After the Business Roundtable Statement, Purpose Is Still a Work in Progress

A majority of Americans agree with the sentiment that it’s important for companies to have a purpose, but they also say many corporations have fallen short.

Leon Kaye

September 1, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Partnerships: Working Together to Make an Impact Through Agriculture

Collaboration Drives Water Stewardship Forward in the Food Sector

Through the AgWater Challenge, food and beverage companies are building collaborative relationships with their stakeholders centered on water stewardship.

Kate Robertson

September 1, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

We Are Trustees of Our Democracy: We Need to Act Like It

In the wake of Representative John Lewis’ recent passing, let's channel his life as business and organizational leaders and strive to preserve democracy.

Edward Quevedo

August 27, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

More U.S. Business Leaders Finally Speak Up for the USPS

The American Sustainable Business Council has rallied members in support of the USPS after reports surfaced about substantial delays in mail delivery.

Tina Casey

August 25, 2020

Finance

Proposed DOL Rules Undermine Investors’ Ability to Gauge ESG Risks

A U.S. DOL proposal threatens investors and retirees by preventing them from building wealth through sustainable and ESG investing.

Craig Jonas

August 25, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Sabotage of Legal Immigration Further Burdens U.S. Companies

The U.S. immigration system is at risk of grinding to a halt, leaving thousands of families without income and countless businesses in the lurch.

Ellen Delisio

August 21, 2020

Finance

Black-Owned Businesses Hit Hard by the Pandemic Are in Urgent Need of Aid

A study found revenues at Black-owned businesses declined 41 percent between February and April, more than double the rate of white-owned enterprises.

Jenna Tsui

August 20, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

It’s a Crime to Interfere with the USPS, So Why Won’t Business Leaders Speak Out?

The sabotage of the USPS should spark more outrage from business leaders, who are missing a golden opportunity to defend a centuries-old civic institution.

Tina Casey

August 17, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Transparency and Incentives Can Re-Fashion the Apparel Industry

There's an immediate need for the apparel industry to work together to keep factories open and to guarantee workers are safe, healthy, and paid.

Niklas Lollo and Dara O’Rourke

August 17, 2020

Finance

Against All Odds, It’s a Boom Economy for Sustainable Investing

A new report indicates that sustainable investing rebounded strongly after the initial pandemic-induced market sell-off, and shows no signs of tapering off.

Amy Brown

August 14, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Businesses Have Alternatives to Layoffs: Here’s How You Can Plan

If your organization is under financial stress, don't immediately look to layoffs. Instead, consider these steps to navigate tough economic times.

Paige Soya

August 14, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

As COVID-19 Further Exposes Global Challenges, These Companies Lead on Sustainability

A new study ranks corporate leaders in sustainability and outlines the challenges experts believe are most crucial during the COVID-19 crisis.

Leon Kaye

August 13, 2020

Finance

4 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Boost Sustainable Development in Emerging Markets

Social entrepreneurs can help support sustainable development due to their problem-solving skills and lean approach toward business.

Ali Diallo

August 13, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

U.S. Companies Are Lagging on Stakeholder Capitalism

Despite the pandemic's fallout, U.S. business leaders are out of step with the rest of the world when it comes to accepting stakeholder capitalism.

Amy Brown

August 6, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Paying a Living Wage Can Help Companies Survive This Pandemic

A new report suggests that companies committed to paying workers a living wage have a far better chance at surviving financially during this pandemic.

Leon Kaye

July 31, 2020

Sponsored

The Road to 2030: Aligning Corporate Ambitions with What the World Needs

Aligning Corporate Ambition with an Ever-Changing World 

Goal-setting is familiar territory for most major multinational corporations. But as the needs and demands of our world change rapidly, companies are challenged to make sure their ambitions evolve in kind. 

Amy Brown

July 30, 2020

Finance

Racial Equity Fund Backed by NAACP Bridges Capital to Cause

Backed by the NAACP, this fund is giving investors a lens for evaluating companies with strong racial and ethnic diversity policies.

Amy Brown

July 27, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

The Value in ESG for the Workforce And Investors Is Greater Than Ever (Here's Why)

This pandemic accelerated the ESG movement faster than we have imagined, as it’s given us more free time to scrutinize what companies are doing in a crisis.

Peter Kozodoy

July 27, 2020

Finance

Sustainability Reporting by the Largest U.S. Companies Hits New Highs

What’s driving the surge in sustainability reporting in less than a decade? The first and likely most important factor for U.S. companies is investors.

Polly Ghazi

July 27, 2020

Finance

A Quick Guide to Socially Responsible Investment Ratings

Here's a quick guide on how investors are using various ratings services to evaluate socially responsible investment portfolios.

Mark Anthony Camilleri

July 24, 2020

Finance

Why Corporate America’s Diversity Hiring Promises Ring Hollow

The long path toward equality in the U.S. business community is not just about diversity hiring - it's also about access to opportunity and capital.

Leon Kaye

July 22, 2020

Finance

This Bank Launched a Climate Action Checking Account

A California bank is giving customers an option to help drive climate action with a checking account that will donate funds to environmental nonprofits.

Leon Kaye

July 21, 2020

Finance

Across the Pond, the London Stock Exchange’s Green Economy Mark Gains Traction

The London Stock Exchange's sustainability certification program, the Green Economy Mark, offers proof that sustainable investing isn't going anywhere.

Roger Aitken

July 21, 2020

Finance

BlackRock Bluntly Tells Companies They’re ‘On Watch’

BlackRock has identified 244 companies that were making “insufficient progress” on tackling climate change risks - and many of them are now "on watch."

Leon Kaye

July 16, 2020

Finance

Nature: A 10-Year, $10 Trillion Global Stimulus

A new report from the World Economic Forum maps out a global stimulus plan that WEF says can heal the environment and create jobs for citizens worldwide.

Leon Kaye

July 16, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

New Questions About the Business of Mass Incarceration and Corporate Responsibility

Despite ongoing calls for criminal justice reform, more mass incarceration appears to be the goal of companies supporting California's Proposition 20.

Tina Casey

July 15, 2020

Finance

The Post-COVID Economy Needs Female Entrepreneurs

The question that looms large now is how we can build a strong, resilient post-COVID economy; prior history tells female entrepreneurs can hold the key.

Roya Sabri

July 13, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

‘Karens’ Are Making Life Hell for Retail Workers, While Companies Look the Other Way

Retail workers have become collateral damage in the cultural wars over "Karens" who are refusing to wear masks in stores across the U.S.

Leon Kaye

July 13, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

As Wages for Many Essential Workers Flatten, Lowe’s Issues Third Round of Hazard Pay

For the third time since March, Lowe's will issue hazard pay to its employees, in contrast to other companies that ended bonuses for essential workers.

Ellen Delisio

July 7, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

Mentoring During a Pandemic: Why We Must Rethink Our Leadership

This pandemic has left business owners and employees feeling more anxious than ever, so leaders must re-imagine the office in a remote work environment.

James Kenefick

July 6, 2020

Corporate Responsibility

COVID-19 Leaves CEOs Unscathed While Essential Workers Are Left Unmasked

The COVID-19 crisis exposed rampant inequality; a new survey shows businesses could do more to narrow those gaps while building more trust with citizens.

Leon Kaye

June 30, 2020

Sponsored

The Power of Purpose: How Companies Drive Community Impact

To Drive Financial Inclusion, Businesses and Nonprofits Must Come Together, Says This Executive

The racial wealth gap has limited opportunities for generations. Bringing financial services to the underbanked and underserved can help turn the tide, this executive says.

Amy Brown

June 29, 2020