Kato Takao and Kodama Naomi: ”Corporate Social Responsibility and Gender Diversity in the Workplace: Evidence from Japan”

Abstract: Using panel data on corporate social responsibility (CSR) matched with corporate proxy statement data for a large and representative sample of 1,492 publicly-traded firms in Japan over 2006-2014, we provide rigorous econometric evidence on the effects of CSR on gender diversity in the workplace. Our fixed effect estimates point to positive and significant effects on gender diversity of CSR, yet the effects are felt only after two to three years.

”How the ESG landscape is changing in Japan” – A participant’s personal observation of RI Asia 2016

  ”RI Asia 2016 took place at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the 23-24th February, and was attended by approximately 400 domestic and international participants. As an ex-resident of London now based in Tokyo, it has been interesting to observe the changingESG landscape in Japan. RI Asia acted as a useful milestone to stop, reflect […]

David A. Katz et al ”Gender Diversity on Boards: The Future Is Almost Here”

Image result for harvard law school forum

‘A board composed of directors representing a range of perspectives leads to an environment of collaborative tension that is the essence of good governance. In a room where everyone has different points of view and there is a greater opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas, there are fewer unspoken assumptions, less “group think” and a greater likelihood of innovation. This allows the board to ask the probing questions and tackle the challenging issues, such as risk management and succession planning, which are at the center of good corporate governance.

”Exxon Mobil must allow climate change vote: SEC”

”Morningstar Introduces Industry’s First Sustainability Rating for 20,000 Funds Globally, Giving Investors New Way to Evaluate Investments Based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors”

”CHICAGO, March 1, 2016—To help investors evaluate funds based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, Morningstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: MORN), a leading provider of independent investment research, today introduced the Morningstar Sustainability RatingTM for funds. The new rating will enable investors around the world to evaluate mutual funds and exchange-traded funds based on how well the companies held in their funds are managing their ESG risks and opportunities.

Cary Krosinsky: “The Future of Cars – The Sustainable Investing Sector Series Begins”

As seen years back when GM didn't act fast enough to change with the times while Toyota became dominant through its Prius success and focus on quality, sustainability is in many ways now the most important trend to consider in the Auto sector. GM used to be one of the largest companies in the world, and they faded in value while Toyota became dominant. The performance of this sector has arguably directly been tied to sustainability focus and success over the last 20 years, and this is likely to reoccur in future. At minimum, sustainability considerations need to be directly in the mix of investor considerations. Watch for future pieces across all sectors where sustainability has become increasingly critical to ongoing investment success.

Full article:

http://socialinvesting.about.com/od/Sustainable-Investing-Strategy/fl/The-Future-of-Cars.htm