PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF ESG INITIATIVES: DOES PROVIDING EVIDENCE OF IMPACT MATTER?

While many companies are engaging in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, little attention has been given to assess whether the disclosure of evidence used to support ESG programs impacts public perceptions of corporate trust. For instance, does the provision of evidence to the impact of an initiative matter to individuals or is the mere act of developing and communicating an ESG program sufficient? Does providing evidence of more than one ESG initiative amplify the effects? Using a between-subjects experimental design, the results suggest there is a positive impact on public perceptions of trust when a company provides evidence of the impact of at least one ESG initiative. However, there were no enhanced effects on perceptions when evidence of the impact of more than one initiative was provided.