Timo Heroth

This book deals with a question that decisively influences and drives companies, regulators, banks, and investors in the 21st century. What significance do changes in social discourse and the relationship with social stakeholders have concerning the legitimacy and success of companies? Stakeholder expectations and more strictly defined sustainability regulations require companies to address the social domain and become more transparent and professional in sustainability reporting. Based on an empirical analysis over different industries, the author shows that social stakeholder orientation and topic salience does not only affect sustainability, but also financial performance metrics. Findings that should evoke a more strategic understanding of sustainability disclosure and corporate legitimacy.