Research Briefs

Companies with strong cost leadership and differentiation are likely leaving value on the table if they don’t invest in CSR

RESEARCH BRIEF - Much has been written about the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP). Companies with higher levels of cost-leadership (lower cost operations) and product differentiation are more capable of synergizing the value-added and value creation associated with their CSR projects to enhance firm financial performance.

Regulator and customer pressure correlates to greater environmental investment by small-and medium-sized companies

RESEARCH BRIEF - Small- and medium-sized businesses are motivated to engage in environmental activities when they receive pressure from regulators and customers.

Reduce turnover among new parents by offering a supportive and flexible environment

RESEARCH BRIEF - To retain new mothers, organizations should offer flexible options and support, as they report higher intentions to stay with a company when they perceive a healthy work-life balance and strong managerial support.

Awareness of bias: Women are still having to hit a higher bar of qualification to be considered for senior positions

RESEARCH BRIEF - Moderately qualified men are given the benefit of the doubt compared to women candidates of comparable qualification.

Corporate citizenship appears to contribute to lower equity costs and improve balance sheet performance

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms that engage in corporate citizenship activities are more likely to benefit from lower equity costs and therefore are more likely to see higher returns on investment overall.

Institutional investors help drive positive environmental and social performance

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms with greater institutional ownership have higher firm-level social and environmental scores, indicating that institutional investors are prioritizing corporate citizenship performance.

Corporate citizenship investment leads to lower risk and stronger financial performance

RESEARCH BRIEF - Companies that engage in corporate citizenship experience decreased risk and increased firm value.

Leading with integrity leads to greater financial performance

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firm financial performance is stronger when employees perceive top managers to be trustworthy and ethical.

Reduce workplace turnover through childcare initiatives

RESEARCH BRIEF - The establishment of workplace childcare initiatives (e.g. on-site childcare, childcare subsidies, etc.) improves employee retention rates among women.

Stakeholder pressure, environmental integration, and GHG emissions reduction

RESEARCH BRIEF - Firms that experience significant stakeholder pressure about environmental performance are more likely to develop and implement environmental protection strategies and succeed in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Corporate social responsibility reduces the risks of high leverage

RESEARCH BRIEF - Investing in corporate citizenship may provide a risk management benefit to highly leveraged firms, as positive citizenship behavior reduces the costs of debt and reduces potential opportunity cost by helping to maintain customer trust that can lead to sales growth.

Cross-sector agreements regarding performance targets lead to improved environmental performance

RESEARCH BRIEF - The development of performance targets improves the environmental performance rates of cross-sector partnerships.