Nordic Pioneers in the field of CSR by Marie Gjølberg

Nordic Pioneers in CSR

Maria Gjølberg (Ph.D), Senior Consultant, Det Norske Veritas

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Nordic CSR in a global economy

Few can contest Scandinavia’s place at the forefront of the CSR movement. The evidence is indisputable: [Nordic] companies … consistently top CR league tables and win sustainability awards, and their governments are often the first to pass progressive legislation (Ethical Corporation, 2004)

Agenda:

1. Are Nordic companies and governments global pioneers in CSR?

2. What characterises Nordic companies at the forefront of CSR?

3. Key factors for success in CSR


Nordic companies: Over-represented in international CSR rankings

Finlan

d

Denm

ark

Sweden

Switzer

land

Norway UK

Nethe

rland

sSpa

in

Austra

lia

Japa

n

Franc

e

Greec

eIta

ly

Germ

any

Canad

a

Belgium

Irelan

d

Austri

aUSA

Portu

gal

-15

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

Index of CSR performance 2012


The Nordic Model – and a Nordic Model for CSR?

Shared cultural ideal of equality, consensus and dialogue Stong corporatist traditions Strong social-democratic welfare state; strict regulations Small, open economies, highly dependent on export to the world

market Strong commitment to international institutions and processes like

the UN, the OECD, the World Bank, peace negotiations etc.

>> Is this Nordic Model paralelled in the CSR work of Nordic governments and companies?

© Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved. 5

Four types of government approaches to CSR

NorwaySweden

DenmarkFinland

UK

US


Major study: Nordic Pioneers in CSR

80 companies (response rate, 77%)

7 international/Nordic third party rankings of CSR performance

http://www.ftse.com/img/tiles/FTSE4Good-150x170.gif

http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/globalcitizenship/environment/images/sam_djsi05.jpg


Respondents


Motivation for CSR engagement:

Learning and innovation

Operational efficiency

Licence to operate

Investor relations

Employees

Risk management

Competitiveness

Reputation and brand

7.4 %

16.7 %

18.5 %

20.4 %

50.0 %

57.4 %

61.1 %

66.7 %

The business case for CSR


Top 3 key facts among the Nordic CSR pioneers

Top 3 triggers for CSR:1. Long tradition

2. Good business opportunity

3. Stakeholder pressure

Top 3 location of CSR:1. Communication/PR

2. Environment/HSE

3. Separate CSR dept.

Top 3 stakeholders of CSR:1. Investors/owners

2. Employees

3. Customers


The Nordic heritage

‘

Causes of Nordic excellence:

Strict regulations

Strong labour unions

Strong expectations in the home market

Values


The role of governments

Over 80% of the companies claim that stricter, international regulation of CSR issues would strengthen their competitiveness…


How to excel in CSR?

Sponsoring is a central part of our CSR strategy

We apply ethical criteria to financial investments

CSR is part of KPI

CSR influences choice of suppliers and partners

CSR is integrated into core business strategy

CSR influences development of new products and services

59.0

11.5

21.3

8.2

6.6

4.9

24.6

52.5

55.7

70.5

72.1

75.4

Management and implementation of CSR

Agree Disagree


3 key factors for international CSR success

1. Ensure top-level commitment & engagement

2. Integrate CSR in your core business strategy and core management systems – approach CSR professionally as any other business risk or opportunity

3. Make the most of your Nordic heritage internationally – “a head start by default”:- strict standards in HSE- strong skills in dialogue with employees and other stakeholders- already adapted to high expectations in home markets


Safeguarding life, property and the environment

www.dnv.com

Nordic Pioneers in the field of CSR by Marie Gjølberg

Business

csr det norske veritas

nordic csr pioneers

csr strategy

csr engagement

stakeholders of csr

location of csr

csr movement

forefront of csr