Perception & Reality Square has recently completed a 2019 CSR reporting exercise for Europe. The focus of the study is to analyze trends and challenges in CSR reporting and the integration of sustainability objectives for European companies.
This annual survey, conducted for the second time, is an assessment of the current sustainability reporting status of 312 European companies included in 9 stock market indices. This year’s insights are very exciting and show an overall maturing of CSR communication. Yet, at the same time it appears there is still plenty of room for improvement.
Our goals were as follows:
If you are interested in the latest research findings, the questions raised in the study, and its application in your practices, go to the website csr-study.com or you can download the full report in German and English.
The main goal of our work is to encounter solutions which will enable corporations, their stakeholders, non-profit organizations and the general public to use all kinds of information more effectively.
In the last 30 years, the importance of intangible assets (and primarily of corporate reputation and brand) in assessing the overall value of the company has changed drastically. Today, according to various studies, intangible assets count for 80-85% of the company’s value. Simultaneously, communication mechanisms between the business and its target audiences have also been significantly upgraded. However, we can say that we are on the verge of new, even more ambitious changes.
Differences in the approaches to the dissemination and use of information are gradually becoming the primary differences in the corporate culture of companies from different regions of the world. When it comes to projects that involve partnership between such companies, the use of standardised and universal communication tools allows for these differences to be overcome.
The concept specifies the company’s mission and goals in respect of CSR, identifies stakeholders, depicts key programmes, outlines in-house collaboration formats, streamlines the reporting procedure and incorporates CSR efforts into the overall business process. As a result, our clients obtain an effective sustainable development strategy.
Corporate reputation plays a key role among intangible assets, integral to the company's success and its market value. According to global research findings, 60% of all CEOs believe that corporate brand and reputation make up for more than 40% of their company's market value. Companies with higher reputations trade at higher premiums compared to average trading.
Effective financial communication is a key element when it comes to attracting and sustaining investor interest, maintaining optimal stock value and successful public or private sales or mergers. It also requires an in-depth understanding of the legal environment and investor expectations in every market, as well as the ability to develop a convincing narrative supporting the company's investing history.
Sociological Research, Communication Audit, Informal Research - All of the above studies are integral to understanding perceptual differences among all communication parties, and thus, to minimising errors when delivering the information.
Perception & Reality Square GmbH
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10435, Berlin
Tel: +49 176 84 10 16 77 | +49 173 58 29 671
