All Briefs

Despite research suggesting most consumers feel that businesses should take an active role in driving social and environmental changes, in 2019 companies are likely to tone down their public advocacy. As companies plan for 2019 with a divided government in Washington, it could be important to navigate new policies and regulations with dialogue on the issues.

Collaboration between humans and machines can make our online communities much more vibrant and relevant. Companies looking to understand and engage with customers through online communities need to consider how artificial intelligence and human collaboration can be used together to augment understanding of data and advance know-how.

This Q&A with Norm Prestage discusses the job of the corporate director from his perspective as a partner with EY. He feels like the best directors have a deep understanding of company strategy and risk profile, act as a sounding board for management, and are keenly aware of stakeholder concerns.

According to research my company conducted, only 32.5% of America’s workforce is actually satisfied with this aspect of work. It comes as no surprise that several management gurus, including Peter Cappelli and Anna Tavis, advocate for upending the performance review process entirely. Regardless of your perspective, the fact that only three in 10 workers prefer the status quo should capture the attention of every manager looking to attract and retain the best and brightest.

Artificial intelligence (AI) could help to address significant societal challenges, including those identified in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For organizations that seek to use such technology for social good, an understanding of the existing use cases and potential for social impact should be considered within the context of a heightened regulatory framework that might stifle successes.

This Q&A with Sharad Jain discusses the job of the corporate director from his perspective as a partner with PwC’s Governance Insights Center. He touches upon topics like the external auditor’s direct reporting line to the audit committee and the challenge of a board’s oversight of a company’s tone at the top.

The charitable/social/independent sector is a formidable economic force that's reported to generate 10 percent of the country's gross national product, but the lack of any standard name for it could be diminishing its influence on public policy. Leaders will need to step up to agree on terminology that gives the sector collective clout.

The question for the SEC is how far it should go in addressing changes to proxy advisory firms. Do all proxy advisors need to be treated like investment advisers or do they need their own regime? What should they disclose? How will the way they do business change?