ESG performance metrics in international financial reporting : developing a framework for multinational enterprises in a time of a political change
Kaitola, Anna (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091171
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601091171
Tiivistelmä
This thesis takes a look at the challenges of ESG reporting in today’s fast-moving political and regulatory landscape. Examining real-world annual and sustainability reports, regulatory filings, and leading global standards, it shows how the shift from voluntary CSR storytelling to mandatory disclosure has created both opportunities and pitfalls.
On one hand, companies now have clear, mainly voluntary, frameworks to guide their sustainability narratives; on the other, the patchwork of rules across regions can leave gaps that organizations might exploit through selective “greenwashing”. The research highlights three key pain points: inconsistent third-party assurance that leaves stakeholders guessing; unclear criteria for deciding which ESG factors really matter; and abrupt political shifts that can instantly reshape a company’s sustainability risk
profile
Drawing these threads together, the thesis argues for a balanced approach, one that anchors reporting in broad, principle-driven standards while allowing smart, jurisdiction-sensitive adaptations. Crucially, it calls for robust, independent verification processes to ensure that ESG disclosures aren’t just a box-ticking exercise but a genuine reflection of a company’s impact and intentions. Ultimately, this work aims to help both policymakers and business leaders forge ESG reports that are transparent, comparable, and above all, trusted.
On one hand, companies now have clear, mainly voluntary, frameworks to guide their sustainability narratives; on the other, the patchwork of rules across regions can leave gaps that organizations might exploit through selective “greenwashing”. The research highlights three key pain points: inconsistent third-party assurance that leaves stakeholders guessing; unclear criteria for deciding which ESG factors really matter; and abrupt political shifts that can instantly reshape a company’s sustainability risk
profile
Drawing these threads together, the thesis argues for a balanced approach, one that anchors reporting in broad, principle-driven standards while allowing smart, jurisdiction-sensitive adaptations. Crucially, it calls for robust, independent verification processes to ensure that ESG disclosures aren’t just a box-ticking exercise but a genuine reflection of a company’s impact and intentions. Ultimately, this work aims to help both policymakers and business leaders forge ESG reports that are transparent, comparable, and above all, trusted.