We manage what we measure (and report) - it's a truism, but no less valid for that.  We believe that the time is now right to ask whether we have been measuring the right things in the right way and communicating them appropriately to the right people.

The affordability of pensions and how they are to be funded must be looked at in the light of the nation’s long-term economic and social objectives.  In this context, the terms ‘support’ and ‘dependence’ are used and measured in an unhelpful way that incorrectly assumes a one-way relationship.  The elderly are depicted as dependent ‘takers’, but they also support the economy and society through paying taxes and voluntary activities. Instead of looking at the ‘old age support ratio’ policymakers should focus on the ‘total economic support ratio’, which relates the number of people who are working to the numbers not working.  This was 0.48 in 2003 and is projected to decline to 0.45 by 2041.  At this point it will be almost the same as it was in 1961.

It has become imperative for business to demonstrate greater social participation and create value in the communities where they operate. But the growing availability of corporate capital for social development has not necessarily resulted in funds finding an effective home. Money often flows to the best-known development programmes or is directed through governments or aid agencies with their own development agendas. This leaves under-developed and under-resourced initiatives, working on the ground to effect change, without access to capital markets. And while corporate philanthropy plays a vital role in the development of communities, is not enough to lift people out of poverty and address South Africa’s historic imbalances. The SA Social Investment Exchange (SASIX) is an innovative platform providing a range of high-impact social investment opportunities from grants to financial investments in responsible initiatives that offer market-related financial returns. This, together...

84% believe business should help address global issues. So why, then, are some companies still being slow to respond? And how can their finance teams help them to get to grips with this agenda? A global survey by CIMA and the Institute of Business Ethics looks at how companies are managing their ethical performance and explores the finance function’s potential contribution.