The Challenges of Corporate Transparency

Enron. WorldCom. Parmalat. Three words irretrievably linked with accounting scandals, thousands of job losses, billions in shareholder losses, and a massive reaction from regulators.

In the wake of Enron’s collapse in December 2001, a wave of corporate governance and accounting reforms were put in place in the US. Chief among these was the Sarbanes-Oxley act, compelling chief executives to pledge that they fully understand and take responsibility for their firm’s accounts.

Brendan May, the new Head of Corporate Social Responsibility for Weber Shandwick, UK & Ireland, says businesses ignore CSR at their peril.

Over the past decade Brussels has firmly established itself as the political capital of Europe, with its 25 Member States, a population of over 370 million, and serious economic clout.

Tim Sutton, Chairman of Weber Shandwick in Europe, asks how public relations can improve its image.