Commitment to Change by Senior Management

What did you do about climate change, Grandma?

This could well be the question asked of you by your grandchildren (or even your children) sometime down the line! Climate Change could just as easily be replaced by the word "poverty" or "inequality" or "famine" or others.

Will you blush and reply “er, not much. I’m afraid” or will you be tempted to tell a little white lie about your feeble contribution (to change) as you remember the nice bonus you received for increasing the company share value by 10% rather than replacing your current fleet with electric vehicles?

Or hopefully, you will be able to tell a great story about how your business helped to change the world.

As a senior manager how are you using your power and influence to affect positive change?

It is self-evident that any significant and effective culture change within the business sector will only take place with the agreement and passionate support of senior management. You, if you are senior management, a C-Suite Executive or a Board Member, have the power and influence to affect positive change. Take action now and avoid that excuse ridden conversation!

There is, without doubt a growing movement towards responsible business (for example the increase in ESG reporting) but it is much, much to slow and much of it is greenwashing, flannel, marketing speak or in some cases, downright lies.  

Some thoughts on actions from Senior Management:

  • Understand the need for change and agree with your senior colleagues to make it to happen. Link to the Moral and Business case for change.
  • Make a public commitment to colleagues and other stakeholders to culture change (or renovation) with a focus on people and planet as well as commercial objectives. (link to Memo from the Board to All Members of Staff)

Action without vision is only passing time. Vision without action is merely day dreaming. But vision with action can change the world.

  • Find, encourage and nourish your Champions for Change, the people who will make it happen.
  • Enable and financially support a Culture Change Committee (or similar name).
  • Agree the Company Values and Code of Ethics in collaboration with colleagues at all levels and other stakeholders.
  • Create an environment where all decisions are based on the company values and Code of Ethics, so this becomes “the way we do things around here.”
  • Update the rewards and incentive system (including at Board Level) with a greater focus on responsible decision-making.
  • Leaders need to “walk the talk”. There is nothing more damaging to a culture change initiative than leaders not setting a good example. 
  • Encourage the setting up of a Responsible Business Group which can act as the conscience of your company. 
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Overview
How To Join

Read about what is involved with joining the Responsible Business Project 2030.

What You Get
Ally (Core Service Provider)

Join as an Ally and get access to our resources, or become a champion and join the movement.

What You Get
Responsible Business Activist

Become a Partner and help us implement change, or become a supporter and actively help us with the project.