Board’s Guide to Trust: The ESG Imperative

In brief: Creating long-term corporate value has evolved beyond building the bottom line. Today, new concerns have commanded the spotlight, requiring boards and management to address business risks and societal impacts that affect a wide range of stakeholders. While management remains accountable for setting corporate strategy and running the business, board directors increasingly are expected to devote attention to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues affecting the well-being of a company's customers, employees, and society at large.

This report examines the current trends in ESG for the board of directors, using interviews with leading directors as well as Edelman’s own data on ESG and trust, and provides resources for further board oversight.