The debate surrounding CSR has intensified over the last few years and now in some quarters there is a backlash against CSR. This debate article looks at where we are today and what Tomorrow's Company believes companies need to focus on for the future. For more information visit www.tomorrowscompany.com

Although still an embryonic management practice, the authors believe that “integrated reporting” of a company’s financial and non-financial performance into a single document is about to take off, as market and regulatory forces push more companies to adopt this practice. In doing so, companies will face a number of challenges, which the authors say can be efficiently dealt with via cloud computing.

The business world is in the midst of extraordinary change. Great leaders will come to the fore. They will be recognised for overcoming adversity with confidence and for rebuilding purpose for their organisations. They will need to take stock, scan their environments for possibility and use this information to bypass cultural paralysis and fear. To achieve this, they will require significant energy, both mentally and physically, to achieve the focus necessary to adapt and flex. They will require a Peak Performance mindset worthy of an Olympic athlete, a great statesman or a new generation of leader who is strong, visible and resilient enough to deal with the uncertainty and unpredictability that lies ahead.

In late 2007, the Economist Intelligence Unit interviewed thought leaders and more than 1,200 executives worldwide to create this 55 page report on Business and Sustainability.

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.