Ethics
Human rights, 15 November, 2019
Norges Bank excludes G4S from portfolio over human rights concerns
An investigation by the bank, which invests Norway’s oil revenues, revealed G4S had “behaved in a manner which is at the limit of, or outside, accepted norms” with regard to its treatment of migrant workers in Qatar and UAE.
Corporate strategy, 6 November, 2019
When fighting social injustice clashes with shareholder demands
Business leaders are often troubled by social injustice, but shareholders take priority. To resolve this, governments, investors and society must change.
Diversity, 4 November, 2019
Mind the gap: enabling productive thinking to develop gender balance
Subtle mental shifts can increase people’s responsiveness to the gender gap, and their commitment to doing something about it.
Legislation, 12 September, 2019
Campaigners call for German supply chain law to protect human rights
The German government is under pressure from groups including Oxfam and Friends of the Earth to introduce new legislation regarding global supply chains.
Due diligence, 9 September, 2019
Strategic shifts are needed to ensure due diligence in global supply chains
Boards must set the tone for due diligence as consumers and regulators scrutinise how firms address environmental and human rights risks in supply chains.
Governance, 28 August, 2019
Debate over ‘shareholder’ or ‘stakeholder’ primacy goes global
The US Business Roundtable’s recent letter saw scores of chief executives sign up to a stakeholder model of governance. Around the world commentators have offered their analysis of the decision.
Corporate culture, 6 August, 2019
If you want employees to speak up, show that you will listen
Effective speak-up procedures help boards to understand and improve their organisational culture. But employees won’t come forward unless they feel supported.
EU legislation, 17 July, 2019
Human rights due diligence push ‘could turn boards into legal departments’
The European Confederation of Directors Associations warns that forcing big companies to regulate the behaviour of their suppliers could be counterproductive.
Regulation, 16 July, 2019
Financial watchdog moves to strengthen audit ethics
Changes include a shorter list of permitted extra services and a stronger role for an “ethics partner” inside audit firms.
Corporate governance, 6 June, 2019
Ethics body issues warning to boards over AI accountability
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a critical governance issue and must be firmly grasped by the board—not left to the tech team, says a report from the Institute of Business Ethics.