This is according to KPMG’s recently published 2022 CEO Outlook Report that caught our attention. The report draws on the perspectives of 1,325 global CEO’s and provides insight into their 3-year outlook on the business and economic landscapes. The survey also reveals shifts in their growth strategies and viewpoints.

It suggests CEO’s are balancing the need to build resilient and transparent Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) plans with the prevailing economic conditions. International businesses are seeing a major focus put on the social aspect of ESG, with over two-thirds of them believing that progress on inclusion, diversity and equity has moved too slowly in the business world, and nearly three-quarters thinking that scrutiny of their performance in this area will continue to increase over the next 3 years.

ABSTRACT’s MD and founder, David Nikolich, observed “It’s great to see how well ESG features with CEO’s in KPMG’s research, which is most encouraging. There’s one particular set of research points that we found fascinating”:

Investment – CEO’s main objectives are to become more sustainable… So, for some firms this could be new investment and for others, a redistribution of existing investment.

Key Drivers – Firms are generally unsure of what these are… So, ED&I could be the obvious poor relation when it comes to prioritisation and securing a decent portion of investment.

Articulating Their Story – Firms need to create a compelling case to stakeholders… So, this needs to begin with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to improve prioritisation and secure business focus and investment in that area.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion development is a key part of our ABSTRACT proposition. We develop leaders to cultivate a new level of awareness about themselves and others, develop their inclusive leadership brand and become culturally competent. We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the Inclusive Awards 2022 in the Diversity & Inclusion Consultancy category.

You can find further details here:

ABSTRACT Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Development 

https://www.abstractuk.co.uk/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-development

KPMG 2022 CEO Outlook Report

https://home.kpmg/xx/en/home/insights/2022/08/kpmg-2022-ceo-outlook.html

Get in touch with David Nikolich at david@abstractuk.co.uk, Nick Goddard at nick@abstractuk.co.uk or with any member of our ABSTRACT team to discover how we can help.