The purpose of this paper is to establish the feasibility and benefits of forming a cross‐industry corporate sustainability association, Corporate 21, comprised of leading…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish the feasibility and benefits of forming a cross‐industry corporate sustainability association, Corporate 21, comprised of leading reputable corporations around the world.
Design/methodology/approach
Such an association would require an even reporting structure and a formal sustainability agenda – Corporate Agenda 21. In determining the latter, this paper drew initiatives from 12 current cross‐industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports; inclusion is based on repeated findings and potential global application of initiative.
Findings
It is debated that such an association would serve to further strengthen the role of business in the modern sustainability and CSR movement, insofar as it would offer increased cross‐industry collaboration through a collective plan of action in the field.
Research limitations/implications
The paper would benefit from a broader range of CSR report analysis, including all reports from leading corporations in fields of CSR, sustainability and innovation. A subsequent study should also develop a benchmarking system for all Corporate Agenda 21 initiatives.
Practical implications
A unified sustainability blueprint and shared cross‐industry CSR collaboration would provide the most beneficial plan of action for business by working: first, reverse the image “corporate” has globally; second, offer money‐saving solutions and healthy profit attainment at the heart of its programs; third, allow companies to supersede inevitable governmentally imposed environmental and social regulations; fourth, create inter‐company synergy through effective global intent; provide member corporations with a competitive market advantage; and finally, foster an innovative business environment.
Originality/value
Such an association would provide a new forum from which business would have increased understanding and greater leverage in social and environmental responsibility and innovation.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges facing corporate communication professionals and researchers, and to introduce the issues presented in the papers from the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges facing corporate communication professionals and researchers, and to introduce the issues presented in the papers from the CCI Conference on Corporate Communication 2008 published in this special issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a discussion of the issues raised in the special issue papers.
Findings
Discussion of the future of the corporate communication profession in the wake of the global fiscal crisis.
Research limitations/implications
This paper implies several areas for further research.
Practical implications
This paper implies strategic knowledge of business processes and practice for effective corporate communication.
Originality/value
This paper articulates complex challenges facing corporate communicators.