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Environmental Reporting by the Fortune 50 Firms
1GE Plastics 1 Lexan Lane, Building 45 Mt. Vernon, Indiana 47620, USA
Environmental Management
|October 23, 1997
Summary
Industry environmental reports are increasing but lack sufficient data for comprehensive analysis. Companies use these reports for public relations, with more detailed information provided by industries facing public scrutiny.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Business Management
- Communication Studies
Background:
- Industry-reported environmental data is increasingly utilized, necessitating analysis.
- Environmental reporting guidelines exist from business and nonprofit organizations.
- Half of Fortune 50 companies publish environmental reports.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review environmental reporting guidelines.
- To evaluate environmental reports from Fortune 50 companies.
- To analyze the content, audience, scope, depth, and effectiveness of these reports.
Main Methods:
- Review of environmental reporting guidelines.
- Comparative evaluation of Fortune 50 companies' environmental reports.
- Analysis of reporting trends, topics, and communication effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Reports serve as mechanisms for corporate image enhancement, public relations, and marketing.
- Companies report more on high-risk topics; industries with poor public images (e.g., chemical, timber) provide more complete reports.
- No reports offered sufficient data for comprehensive or comparative environmental performance analyses.
Conclusions:
- Environmental reports are primarily for stakeholder communication and image management, not detailed performance analysis.
- Significant variations exist in report content and depth, influenced by public perception and industry type.
- Recommendations are needed to improve the quality and effectiveness of environmental reporting for better stakeholder engagement.