For the last two decades there has been a gradual shift in attitudes towards planet, people, and community.
Labels such as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) ESG (Environmental Sustainability Goals) and many others, describes the actions and intent of a growing number of people and businesses towards a better future.
In the last five years an acceleration of efforts and initiatives have grown to show that personal values may be played out in businesses the world over.
Growing pressures from consumers, supply chains, governments and action groups has meant that businesses can no longer sidestep or ignore the calls for reform, and to integrate their operations with the social values that drive individuals’ behaviours, whole economies, and all communities
The measurement of this shift is denoted by something we refer to as IMPACT. This is the effect that our businesses have on the world around us, and is being continually assessed now, by our customers, our employees, and our stakeholders. In short, if your business does not show IMPACT, you will not be in business for much longer.
There is now hardly a company boardroom in the world, where the subject of IMPACT is not being actively discussed.
What is making all these CEO’s change their priorities and focus on the impact their businesses have on their employees, their communities, and the environment, rather than just simply on profit?
In short, they understand, and can see that the values of consumers have changed. They must now deliver and prove positive impact if they want to survive
A recent Accenture report suggest that we are “now in the era of radical visibility, that places companies under the spotlight like never before, as they struggle for competitive advantage in the post COVID-19 era” (Source https://www.accenture.com/_acnmedia/Thought-Leadership-Assets/PDF/Accenture-CompetitiveAgility-GCPR-POV.pdf)
So, businesses have a simple choice:
Continue in the ways of old and see if they can “ride it out” or adapt and adopt a new way to value their business, their customers, communities, and environment.
Facing a Tsunami, it is often better to locate to higher ground and build on new foundations, rather than “ride it out” and hope this is a passing wave
For more information about measurement, strategy, marketing, and or starting the shift needed to demonstrate transparency, authenticity and trust, contact me philip.webb@investorsincommunity.org or my team info@investorsincommunity.org
