Research Briefs

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms working to improve their environmental sustainability should encourage leaders to rely on data and engage with professional networks.

RESEARCH BRIEF - When seeking to improve financial performance through corporate citizenship, a long-term perspective is vital. When firms attract long-term investors and invest in corporate citizenship, stock valuations increase by nearly 5 percent.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Long-term debt markets reward increases in corporate citizenship with lower risk ratings and lower costs of capital.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Corporate wellness programs are widely used and can benefit employees across the health spectrum. Employee participation in these programs can improve productivity and ultimately the bottom line.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Customers are more likely to purchase an environmentally friendly product when the company promotes its own environmental commitment in its marketing messages.

RESEARCH BRIEF - While the market initially reacts negatively to the announcement of mandated ESG reporting, firms that have strong ESG performance and disclosure are not only spared from the market reaction, they actually benefit.

RESEARCH BRIEF - While increased carbon emissions lead to higher debt financing costs, transparent communication—signaling awareness and providing context—mitigates this effect.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Gender diversity on boards can have a positive impact on financial performance, especially when women directors serve on major board committees, such as audit and compensation.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Women’s presence on corporate boards is associated with enhanced community engagement, stronger governance, and more sustainable environmental practices—this is especially true of boards with three or more women.

RESEARCH BRIEF - A company’s long-term commitment to corporate citizenship efforts improves customer purchase intentions and perceptions of social responsibility, especially when it remains consistent during difficult economic times

RESEARCH BRIEF - Environmental management systems are effective in lowering a firm’s carbon emissions, and become more valuable the longer they are in place.

RESEARCH BRIEF - Trends reveal that corporate foundations are more likely to give to countries where they have employees, consumers, and/or suppliers. In regions with weak governance processes, corporate foundations are more likely to give through intermediaries to ensure proper stewardship of their gifts.