Corporate Agenda 21: a unified global approach to CSR and sustainability

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish the feasibility and benefits of forming a cross‐industry corporate sustainability association, Corporate 21, comprised of leading reputable corporations around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

Such an association would require an even reporting structure and a formal sustainability agenda – Corporate Agenda 21. In determining the latter, this paper drew initiatives from 12 current cross‐industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports; inclusion is based on repeated findings and potential global application of initiative.

Findings

It is debated that such an association would serve to further strengthen the role of business in the modern sustainability and CSR movement, insofar as it would offer increased cross‐industry collaboration through a collective plan of action in the field.

Research limitations/implications

The paper would benefit from a broader range of CSR report analysis, including all reports from leading corporations in fields of CSR, sustainability and innovation. A subsequent study should also develop a benchmarking system for all Corporate Agenda 21 initiatives.

Practical implications

A unified sustainability blueprint and shared cross‐industry CSR collaboration would provide the most beneficial plan of action for business by working: first, reverse the image “corporate” has globally; second, offer money‐saving solutions and healthy profit attainment at the heart of its programs; third, allow companies to supersede inevitable governmentally imposed environmental and social regulations; fourth, create inter‐company synergy through effective global intent; provide member corporations with a competitive market advantage; and finally, foster an innovative business environment.

Originality/value

Such an association would provide a new forum from which business would have increased understanding and greater leverage in social and environmental responsibility and innovation.

Citation

McDermott, C.C. (2009), "Corporate Agenda 21: a unified global approach to CSR and sustainability", Corporate Communications: An International Journal, Vol. 14 No. 3, pp. 286-302. https://doi.org/10.1108/13563280910980078