2009 State of Corporate Citizenship US-Style

In the US the findings of the 2009 State of Corporate Citizenship reveal that, despite the recession, corporate citizenship practices are ingrained in increasing numbers of American businesses. A majority (54 percent) of business leaders report that attention to corporate citizenship efforts is even more important in a recession. The executives also say business should take a greater role solving problems in health care, product safety, education, and climate change, but dismiss the need for greater regulatory oversight by the federal government. The report also saw significant expansion of environmental sustainability efforts (greening of products, services and operations), and increasing integration of corporate citizenship into the business strategy, with 75% of CEOs leading the agenda and 40% of all companies (65% for large companies) have a team or individual assigned to work on corporate citizenship issues. As in the 2007 survey, the most recent data also shows that attitudes of support for corporate citizenship are strong but there remain some gaps between those beliefs and the practices and investments of some businesses. The executives were asked about a wide range of topics – from what drives their company’s corporate citizenship (reputational value and the companies’ traditions and values top the list) to how their philanthropy is faring (38 percent reported a decline in giving) to how the economy is affecting R&D for new sustainable products (up 15 percent) and so much more. The State of Corporate Citizenship in the United States 2009 is a joint project of the Boston College Center and The Hitachi Foundation. Highlights of the survey include: – Despite upheaval in the economy, a majority of U.S. companies are not making major changes in their corporate citizenship practices. Of those who made changes 38% reduced philanthropy/giving, 27% increased layoffs, and 19% reduced R&D for sustainable products. – Most U.S. senior executives believe business should be more involved than it is today in addressing major public issues including health care, product safety, education, and climate change. Surveyed in June, just as the national debate on health care began to intensify, some 65 percent said business should increase its involvement in this issue. – Reputation was cited by 70% as a driver for corporate citizenship, tied for the top spot with “it fits our company traditions and values." – The citizenship response during the recession differed between larger and smaller companies. Large companies significantly increased their investments and involvement in citizenship activities, but were more likely to impose layoffs. Small firms stayed committed to their emphasis on treating employees well by minimizing layoffs. But they significantly decreased attention to other aspects of citizenship. Based on current economic conditions, 15% of companies are increasing R&D for new sustainable products; 11% are increasing corporate citizenship marketing and communications; and 10% are increasing local and/or domestic sourcing or manufacturing. – Half of the businesses are supporting skill development for employees making less than $40,000 annually and see these efforts as boosting productivity. – Only 34 percent of executives who responded to the survey say greater regulatory oversight by the federal government is an important part of solving the current economic crisis and creating a more stable economy. Conducted by GlobeScan between June 4 and June 23 of this year, the survey queried 756 executives, 36% of whom were at small businesses (1-99 employees), 24% at medium (100-999), and 40% at large companies (1000 + employees). The biennial survey was first conducted in 2003. The report can be downloaded at www.bcccc.net