In the previous course we examine financial/quantitative economic sustainability performance (ESP). In this course, we discuss non-financial/qualitative environmental, ethical, social, and governance (EESG) sustainability performance, better known as corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Corporate social responsibility is considered an integral component of non-financial corporate sustainability performance. EESG activities can be viewed as activities that contribute to shareholder value creation or regarded as costly activities with a cost that is immediate and tangible and related benefits which may not materialize in the short-term and are often non-measurable. EESG activities are typically considered externalities beyond activities relevant to financial/economic sustainability performance and which can be viewed positively or negatively by shareholders.

Examples of positive externalities are diversity and independence of the board of directors, majority voting by shareholders, executive compensation linked to performance based on “say on pay” and “pay for performance” as part of corporate governance effectiveness, environmental initiatives regarding climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, high-quality and safe products, customer satisfaction, ethical workplaces, job creation and fair employment.

Examples of negative externalities are excessive risk-taking by executives, natural resource depletion, pollution, aggressive management and human rights abuses, child-labor, corruption, money laundering. 

Course Series

This course is included in the following series:

4 CoursesCorporate Sustainability

  1. An Introduction to Corporate Sustainability Performance, Reporting, and Assurance
  2. Relevance and Importance of Economic Sustainability Performance
  3. Non-Financial Sustainability Performance
  4. Drivers, Guidelines, and Future of Corporate Sustainability
Learning Objectives
  • Explore the overall concept of environmental, ethical, social and governance (EESG) sustainability performance.
  • Explore environmental, ethical, governance, and social sustainability performance and its KPIs.
  • Explore environmental, ethical, governance, and social reporting, auditing, and assurance.
  • Explore the relationship between EESG performance and firm value.
Last updated/reviewed: March 15, 2024
3 Reviews (21 ratings)

Reviews

4
Member's Profile
In my field, because I’m not personally tasked with it, I don’t think much about outside factors and how they affect the sustainability of the organization. Nice to see other ideas.

5
Member's Profile
In my opinion, Corporate Social Responsibility should be embedded into ALL corporations' missions. I'd like to see more jobs for CPAs in this sector of reporting to BODs/investors.

4
Member's Profile
Overall, the topic presented is very informative and worth-learning regarding environmental, social, and corporate governance.

Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate

No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course, but completion of the other courses in this series will be helpful.

Education Provider Information
Company: Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact: For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .
Instructor for this course
Course Syllabus
INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
  Introduction to Non-Financial Sustainability Performance1:04
Environmental, Ethical, and Social Performance
  Dimensions of Sustainability Performance 6:27
  Environmental Performance 13:41
  Ethical Performance 11:20
  Ethical Decision Process 8:35
  Social Performance 11:10
Governance Performance and Conclusion
  Governance Performance 14:28
  Governance Performance (Continued) and Conclusion 13:49
Continuous Play
  Non-Financial Sustainability Performance1:20:33
SUPPORTING MATERIALS
  Slides: Non-Financial Sustainability PerformancePDF
  Non-Financial Sustainability Performance Glossary/IndexPDF
REVIEW and TEST
  REVIEW QUESTIONSquiz
 FINAL EXAMexam