Sustainable Governance in B Corps Non-Financial Reporting for Sustainable Development

This book aims to develop the theme of non-financial reporting and the necessity of pursuing sustainable development with particular reference to Benefit Corporations and Certified B Corps. The research offers a systematic and exploratory analysis, with the goal of developing a conceptual framework for supporting companies in the achievement of sustainable governance in line with the United Nations’ guidelines for sustainable development. The first chapter reviews the relevant literature and analyzes the concept of sustainable development, focusing on the United Nations’ policies and SDGs. Chapter2 reviews the relevant literature on corporate social responsibility, describing its evolution from its birth during the Industrial Revolution through tothe present day. Chapter3 focuses on non-financial reporting and emphasizes the need to establish effective social communication with stakeholders that includes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) aspects. Chapter4 explores the value of Benefit Corporations and Certified B Corps, which are companies that have adopted an innovative business model that combines the need for both corporate social responsibility and profitability. Finally, the last chapter uses examples of Italian fashion B Corps to illustrate how such companies make decisions based on CSR.

Introduction Chapter 1. Sustainable development and the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Chapter 2. Corporate Social Responsibility: the new imperative Chapter 3. Non-financial reporting, integrated reporting, and sustainability performance Chapter 4. Benefit Corporations and B Corps’ innovative business model Chapter 5. The Italian fashion industry, B Corps case study Conclusion

Patrizia Gazzola, associate professor, Department of Economics, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. Matteo Ferioli, research fellow, Department of Economics, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.