Businesses around the world are beginning to accept wider social and environmental responsibilities. This means extending the business’ purpose beyond merely seeking profits to look after stakeholders other than shareholders. Supporting local communities, protecting the environment, inclusive gender and race policies and the fair treatment of employees are all now part and parcel of including the notion of people and planet as stakeholders in corporate decision-making.
Companies depend on the trust of their consumers, clients, employees and suppliers, which means aligning social and environmental activities with business purpose and values is viewed as increasingly necessary in order to maintain this trust.