Question

Discuss Timberland’s interpretation of radical transparency. Is radical transparency a requirement of sustainability reporting?

Answer 1

Answer TIMBERLAND RADICAL TRANSPERANCY :

Introduction -

As the word RADICAL TRANSPERANCY suggests that, the extermist or totally different concept through which the working TRANSPERANCY could be disclosed: now TIMBERLAND was the first company ever to disclose its finanacial business performance to public at large.

Initiation towards interpretation -

Being open to public about the insides of company , the public reciprocated with positivity which helped it to gain the reputation of NATIONAL AND GLOBAL CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. With all these happening CERES an NGO which worked for the interest of investors, environment grew Timberland on the path of sustainability aiming to "integrate sustainability into business practices for the health of the planet and it's people"

In 2001, Timberland gave its first ANNUAL CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT of 19 pages. By 2004, it gave out an GLOBAL REPORTING INITATIVE (GRI) , which had certain parameters to measure the levels of sustainability maintained by the company i.e. SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (SPI) which included -

1. Full CSR report ,published annually to picturise the company's efforts towards last 24 months sustainable deeds
2. Quartely indicators with quarterly CSR frame
3. Stakeholders engagement forum called VOICES OF CHALLENGE
4. Created GREEN INDEX ; which was towards social and environmental causes making people realise how there footwear choice will effect environment

Requirement of radical transperancy for sustainability reporting :

It is an very important element for sustainability reporting as through this only the general public ,which shows an honest and trustworthy picture of company's state , as sustainability is not just towards finances of an company which is economical entity , but through this company can return back to the society in form of CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ,that he has taken from society in form of resources

Key highlights -

1. What makes people go for sustainability reporting is the value system and own willingness
2. For Timberland's report it had biannual reports, quartely performance dashboards and eco labels
3. It gives stakeholders VOICE OF CHALLENGE , to get overall feedback
4. RADICAL TRANSPERANCY AND STAKEHOLDER'S INVOLVEMENT push Timberland towards sustainability reporting.

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