Toxic Sustainable Companies: A Critique on the Shortcomings of current Corporate Sustainability Ratings and a Definition of ‘Financial Toxicity’
Additional information
Authors
Seele P.,
Chesney M.
Type
Journal Article
Year
2016
Language
English
Abstract
Building on critical literature on corporate sustainability, we add a conceptual perspective thus far only scarcely addressed: The toxicity of specific financial practices and products generating systemic risk. We start with illustrative cases which have also been discussed colorfully in the media. This sets the stage for defining toxic assets and practices as revealed after the onset of the financial crisis precipitated by the collapse of Lehman Brothers. To illustrate corporate toxicity we use the “Global 100 Index” from “Corporate Knights” to show which (mostly financial) scandals or bailout cases were detected at corporations awarded a position in this prestigious sustainability rating. Next, on the level of technicality, we present examples of toxic products (Naked CDSs and structured products) and practices (securitization and ratings). Based on the critique of the sustainability ranking and on examples of toxic products and processes we derive the concept of ‘financial toxicity’ adopted from pharmacology as a meta-criterion, which, as we argue, should be added to the ESG (environment, society, governance) universe as well as to CSR and Corporate Sustainability. We define financial toxicity as ‘the degree to which financial products can systematically harm their buyers and, on a large scale, the extent to which these products or financial practices generate systemic risk.’ We discuss implications for theory development and the overall credibility of corporate sustainability ratings.
Journal
Journal of Sustainable Finance & Investment
Start page number
1
End page number
12
