The research by recruiter Robert Half International and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales reveals that FDs are now demanding better measurement and reporting in order to identify best practice, set targets and demonstrate the value of corporate responsibility to shareholders.
Senior finance managers who participated in round-table discussions that formed the basis of the research agreed that investments in environmentally friendly products and business technologies create shareholder value.
A growing philanthropic mindset in the business community is also prompting organisations to adopt formal CSR programmes.
In addition, the report found that there is a clear link between employee attraction and retention and corporate responsibility
ICAEW executive director for finance and operations Robin Fieth says: As society increasingly recognises the need for a world that is sustainable, consumers and shareholders will, in my view, attach a premium to those groups with the best corporate responsibility records.
