Research “Data-Leaders – Business and ESG leaders”, by Data-Makers and CDN, showed that 42% of leaders should increase investment
Data-Makers, in partnership with CDN, presented the research “Data-Leaders – Business Leaders and ESG”, which brings an analysis carried out with 100 business leaders on the use of the acronym. According to the data, 42% of them expect to increase the budget for initiatives in the area, compared to 30% that was declared in 2023.
Furthermore, the study showed that 52% of companies must, at least, maintain investments in the area, while 6% expect to reduce the resources allocated.
“If last year the results were worrying, today we see leaders with more knowledge, experience on the topic and willingness to invest in ESG initiatives. We begin a path of no return towards the maturity of the topic in Brazil”, stated Fabricio Fudissaku, CEO of Data-Makers.
In addition to the financial issue, the current edition of the study showed an evolution of CEOs and C-Levels in topics such as knowledge about the area and the importance attributed to it. According to the survey, the group of leaders who declare that they have in-depth knowledge on the subject rose from 16% to 20% and, among the total number of respondents, 90% of them recognize the importance of the topic.
In relation to the stock, 59% of those interviewed say that their companies have a positive performance in ESG practices in companies and, in comparison with the market, 52% of them believe that their companies are superior and only 17% admit that they are below average .
Among the motivations for loving ESG practices, corporate reputation is the main one among leaders and, in this case, 71% believe that there is a direct influence between investment in the area and a better perception of the company by various audiences.
The second motivation highlighted by the research is the brand image and, at this point, 63% of executives believe in the impact of adopting ESG on the values and messages that the company wants to reflect. Other topics mentioned as important are improving company management (59%), reducing risks (50%).
“Reputation has always been a fundamental asset for companies. In the contemporary world, however, this value has risen to another level. Having a good reputation has become more than a license to operate, it is a license to exist. And reputation is directly linked to the impact that the company has on society and the way it relates to it through its various audiences. The executives interviewed demonstrate that they are aware of this reality”, explained Fabio Santos, CEO of CDN.
Regarding the obstacles faced in adopting the acronym in organizations, executives stated that the list is made up of pressure for short-term results (43%), lack of prepared professionals (43%), lack of priority to the topic (43 %), lack of leadership commitment (38%) and lack of metrics and KPIs (38%).
Finally, the research also highlighted which companies serve as inspiration for executives when it comes to ESG. Again, Natura was the most mentioned, with 41%, followed by O Boticário (24%), Itaú and Ambev (11%). The most remembered executive was Denise Hills, global director of sustainability at Natura, with 4% of mentions.
