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

How an interdependent approach to leveraging globalisation will create a business culture that's sustainable and fair to all. A key ingredient for building the firm of the future is the setting up of a culture that can evolve, sustain and grow. Relationships, learning, adapting, evolving – simple to use words – not so simple to understand or, for that matter, apply in a particular context. For one, the mechanistic worldview [what became the order in the Industrial era] suggests the need for rigid structures. Today’s realities are quite different. Relationships are being formed without any physical contact: very deep relationships are being founded on areas of common interest.

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.

What difference do sustainability reports make to business strategy?