Talk Insurance

One of the big concerns of modern corporations is the issue of responsibility and accountability regarding social and environmental decisions. Ernst & Young have printed a white paper showing that in 2010, there was a rise in shareholder resolutions which specifically emphasized the environment or similar issues of company accountability. Last year saw 191 resolutions over the 150 in the previous year.

It is claimed social and environmental concerns are on the verge of a breakthrough in corporate America. Social responsibility resolutions have been gaining steady support from investors for the past six years. Twenty six per cent of ExxonMobil investors voted for the company to reveal more information to the public about its hydraulic fracturing process. This method of pumping high-pressure fluid through rock fractures to extract oil and natural gas is claimed to cause environmental damage.

The recent global economic events have changed widely held beliefs regarding unlimited growth for corporations. Companies now need to shift their focus to sustaining long-term and steady growth as opposed to erratic bursts to meet their numerous financial goals. Sustainability requires a new pragmatic outlook where growth is not hazardously pursued.

An unrestrained pursuit of growth in order to meet unreasonable targets has been the downfall of many corporations. Projections were based on market and region expectations that were rushed and could not survive in the shifting economic landscape. However, the strategy of sustaining growth demands strong leaders who can reset investor aspirations and can recognize where new drivers of growth will start.

The series of natural catastrophes at the start of 2011 is expected by many to raise insurances rates worldwide. Disasters in Australia, Japan and New Zealand were tragic occurrences that hugely increased the number of claims.

Lloyds of London expects the high rate of natural calamities to result in a higher rates of insurance as damaged companies seek to rebuild. This was also the view of Caitlin, another global insurer, who thinks the catastrophes of 2011 will inevitably raise insurance prices.