what could be a good strategy to show the results to all your stakeholder to ensure their continued support?
Another strategy worth mentioning is to have a formal stakeholder representative forum to monitor progress, provide timely feedback, and get involved in the implementation action, whenever possible. Hopefully, this will not only boost stakeholders' trust but also agency.
I totally agree with the representative forum idea for stakeholders. Having transparent metrics is something great, but sometimes the numbers don't say everything.
In my point of view, it would be even better for companies that play a major role in a region's economic situation. Mainly in small cities, it's not uncommon to have a company that employs the majority of people, meaning that their importance to local community is even bigger.
I believe that listening to stakeholders is a good thing by its own, but more technical practices, mainly related to the environment, should rely firstly on legislation compliance and later on third party assessments/certifications.
Totally agree. As a business we first have to attend to the "must-have" (which compliance is) before we tackle the "good to have".
Including the stakeholder objectives in the company's Objectives, Targets and Plans (OTP) would be a measurable strategy to showcase them that they are included in company's goals in a long term period. From these OTPs, specific Key Performance Indicators (KPI) will be established by the company to determine the success in particular area across the different goals that was set in the OTP.
I think there is always the fear or misunderstanding that been profitable (achieving positive ROI) is not aligned with having good benefits and initiatives for employees. It was very interesting to see, that in the video there was an example about increasing minimum wages, but there is always this idea that will affect profitability. I believe that that's not true, as having happy and stable employees will result in less expenses to the company, as rotation rate will be less that having unsatisfied employees.Â
I also agree with the "transparency". One of the takeaways from the forum that I just watched is the statement that the speaker mentioned - "When you know that it's the right thing to do, why would you not do it". With that, I believe it totally makes sense. And so, if you are doing the right thing, you won't have any problems with being transparent to all your stakeholders.
I agree with the ideas shared here.
Commitment to transparency is essential. Providing company's quantitative and qualitative data to show the progress on ESG issues. And maybe in addition, respond to the concerns of the different stakeholders by choosing effective channels to accurately reflect the degree of ESG commitment, hence the importance of active listening.
Re: accountability for the long run
From my point of view, transparency and communication will be a good strategy.
Some companies already practicing annual stakeholder meetings; normally to engaged with them and a session for them to highlight any issues/concerns related to the our activities in our organization. This is more to a face-to-face approach.
Another way is through publishing of newsletters or annual reports like Social Impact Report or Impact Assessment Report that highlight the key issues/concerns that the organization already taken into account and planning to solve them in the coming months/years. These can be a good indicator showing the stakeholders as well as the surrounding community that we do acknowledge the arising issues and we are committed or have committed to solve them.
I would also emphasize the role of external validator to strengthen a Company's accountability.
This can be the general public; through a Public Grievance Mechanism System, Assuror for Sustainability Report, or Certification, Public Commitment and then communicate this with Media. Joining Government's effort or took leadership part for Good Governance best-practice with trustworthy ESG/Sustainability Think-thank.