Stakeholder Reporting
Arguments for and against the effectiveness of sustainability reporting in accountability towards sustainable business practice March 2013
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Stakeholder Reporting
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4 Arguments that maintain a positive outlook on ‘sustainability’ reporting ........................................ 4 Arguments that maintain a negative outlook ‘sustainability’ reporting ............................................ 6 Conclusion ................................................................................................................................... 8
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Stakeholder Reporting
Introduction
The aim of this paper is to look at the arguments whether ‘green claims’ for products and services in corporate reporting make a real difference in business practice, addressing the environmental and social underpinning of global-wellbeing. The paper consists of two sections listing arguments in bullet points for each side of the argument.
Arguments that maintain a positive outlook on ‘sustainability’ reporting
One thing is for certain. In the world of cybernetic reporting and communication of environmental, social and economic information, the triple bottom line will come alive as never before, and it will do so not for moral or accountability reasons, important though these are. The triple bottom line will become vibrantly interactive because it adds real value for stakeholders and assists companies in successfully navigating their marketplaces. (Wheeler & Elkington, 2001, p.13)
Positive reasons which encourage companies to publish sustainability reports are: o Environmental, social and governance issues are having an increasing impact on companies’ ability to operate and generate a profit o Reputational benefits and improved credibility...