Corporate community involvement among leading companies in Australia and New Zealand

Strategy, structure and measurement

05 July 2010This paper explores the strategies, structures, measurement and patterns of corporate community involvement (CCI) among a group of 52 leading companies in Australia and New Zealand.

Data from the St James Ethics Centre Corporate Responsibility Index is explored to reveal the patterns and extent of CCI for a sample of 52 separate companies that have participated in the index since its launch in 2003.

This research reports several findings: First, the majority of companies have developed strategies, management targets and structures and processes to address community issues. Second, almost all companies have a community-business partnership as part of their CCI strategy. Companies are taking a strategic approach to these partnerships with over three quarters of participants indicating that most of their partnerships have clearly set and agreed objectives, terms of involvement and measures to evaluate the success of the project. Third, while a significant number of companies monitor their CCI, the emphasis remains on the measurement of inputs. Fewer companies measure CCI outputs and outcomes in terms of leverage, community and business benefits. Finally, while most companies publicly report on their CCI, the content remains on inputs rather than outputs and impact and few have an independent assurance process of their CCI programs.

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The Attorney-General's Department has launched a new inquiry to explore the scope for reforming Australian contract law. There will be a three-month consultation period.

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In May 2011 the Federal Government announced that the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) would commence operations from 1 July 2012 and that it would initially be responsible for determining the legal status of groups seeking charitable, public benevolent institution, and other not-for-profit (NFP) benefits on behalf of all Commonwealth agencies. 

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