Alex Moreira’s Post

Interesting and thought provoking article on ESG by Robert Eccles in the HBR. The article proposes 3 core strategies to help companies navigate the politics of ESG, especially in the US: 1) Be Clear About Your Purpose 2) Be Candid in Your Sustainability Reporting 3) Be Constructive in Your Shareholder and Stakeholder Engagement https://lnkd.in/d282DR9i

Great read on what it means to be a responsible business, and how to move past the (often polarised and partisan) ESG debate. In the end, there needs to be a recognition that "sustainability issues are vital for value creation". Businesses need to have "a clear understanding of what the company can and cannot do to address societal and environmental challenges while providing long-term returns for its shareholders" [...], and to engage in "constructive engagement and candid reporting".

Excellent piece by Robert G. Eccles for the Harvard Business Review. Robert concisely interrogates the controversial 'ESG' debate in business, demonstrating that while both sides may share differing views on the subject, at its core, the conflict comes down to one fundamental question: What does it mean to be a responsible business?   The article provides three actionable strategies companies can use to navigate a clear path towards corporate responsibility: defining purpose with precision, embracing transparency in sustainability reporting to combat greenwashing, and engaging constructively with all stakeholders.   A must-read for organisations seeking practical guidance on approaching sustainability in today's complex business landscape. To read more ESG and sustainability related insights, you can also visit our webpage here: https://lnkd.in/ejhcTRxD #ESG #sustainability #corporateresponsibility

This article provides a well balanced perspective on ESG and the challenges impacting both Corporates and society. It also offers a concise summary comparing single versus double materiality. Do you think the acronym ESG will eventually phase out? I do and in its place I believe we will see deeper conversations on sustainability and what it means for the environment and society. https://lnkd.in/d9shpqTv

https://lnkd.in/eEuvkDJZ Great article from Robert Eccles, particularly liked this sentence: "I suspect (and hope) that the acronym ESG will eventually fade entirely. Rather than talking about ESG, corporate executives need to be clear and forthright about how their companies are responsible businesses that are addressing the needs of shareholders and stakeholders" #sustainability

At the core of the ESG debate is the fundamental question of the role of the corporation in society: What does it mean to be a responsible business? #ESG #Sustainability https://lnkd.in/dREVKha7

Very insightful article on ESG. In response to the challenge posed, I wholeheartedly agree that businesses must approach environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues with a methodical and nonpartisan mindset. It's essential to recognize that the impact of corporate decisions extends beyond profits; it touches the communities, employees, and ecosystems involved. Instead of framing ESG as a divisive issue, we should see it as an opportunity for collaboration. By focusing on shared goals—such as sustainability, social equity, and ethical governance—we can foster an environment where businesses thrive while simultaneously addressing the pressing needs of all stakeholders. Moreover, responsible companies that prioritize both shareholders and stakeholders pave the way for a new standard in corporate behavior. Embracing ESG principles can lead to innovative solutions that benefit everyone involved, rather than being mired in the culture wars. It's crucial that we, as a society, support this shift in focus. By encouraging open dialogue and collaboration between businesses, communities, and regulators, we can move past the polarization of ESG discussions, establishing a future where ethical practices are the norm, not the exception. This is not merely an aspiration but a necessary evolution in how we view the role of businesses in our world today.

“I suspect (and hope) that the Acronym ESG will eventually fade entirely”. I found it a very bold statement from this article. On one hand, I agree that spending too much time on deciding which buzzword or jargon we should use will stop companies from looking at the real matters - how to gain profile while decreasing company’s social and environmental impact. But on the other hand, it is not helping if we keep demolishing things that we have built to seek for a better solution, which may soon lead us to different and maybe more challenges than we have realized earlier. So eventually, we need to start somewhere, build simple steps to follow and keep improving along way. What is your view on it?

What does it mean to be a responsible business in today’s world? In navigating the complexities of ESG, we're defining the role corporations play in addressing broader societal challenges. This requires clarity of purpose and a commitment to transparency, not only in the successes but in acknowledging the limitations of what businesses can achieve. The debates surrounding single vs. double materiality underscore the need for a nuanced approach, one that recognizes both the impact on shareholder value and the broader effects on society. As corporate leaders, we must be proactive in shaping these discussions, moving beyond the noise to create sustainable solutions that serve both our companies and our communities. It’s time to take a step back, reassess our strategies, and ensure that we’re not just talking about ESG, but actively contributing to a fairer, more sustainable future. Actions speak louder than words. #ESG #SustainableFuture #Impact

In light of ESG and mandatory reporting, Why do companies need to be "responsible"? I think it's because a corporation should represent the collective best of us. From HBR: "At the core of the ESG debate is the fundamental question of the role of the corporation in society: What does it mean to be a responsible business?" "...corporate executives need to be clear and forthright about how their companies are responsible businesses that are addressing the needs of shareholders and stakeholders—and about what negative externalities they cannot address without changes in the regulatory environment. " https://lnkd.in/g6faWr2v