In global corporate affairs, 2023 has brought forth many trends, reshaping businesses’ strategies, priorities, and perceptions worldwide. As corporate affairs professionals, it is important to stay ahead of the curve, navigate risks, seize opportunities, and foster trust and purpose within our companies. 

Data is our starting point as we summarise the findings of The 2023 Global Corporate Affairs Survey Report.

Navigating Risks

Geopolitical Risk and Uncertainty: The resounding drumbeat of geopolitical risks reverberates across boardrooms and conference halls alike. The 2023 Global Corporate Affairs Survey Report, a collaboration between GlobeScan and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, highlights the paramount concern among corporate affairs professionals: geopolitical risk and uncertainty. An overwhelming 63% of respondents identify it as a major or very major concern. In an era of interconnectedness, where global events can swiftly cascade into corporate challenges, navigating this risk has become a cornerstone of corporate strategy. Over the past year, the war in Ukraine, other conflicts, and rising tensions between the US and China have created a multipolar environment as the superpowers jostle for influence. 

Climate Change: Businesses are at the forefront of the transformation as the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change. The report reveals that 58% of respondents consider climate change a major or very major concern. 

Climate change isn’t just an environmental concern; it is a business imperative.  Addressing environmental issues has moved from being a corporate social responsibility initiative to a pivotal aspect of corporate strategy. This trend signals the importance of integrating sustainability and environmental initiatives into our communication efforts. Highlighting an organisation’s advancements in diminishing environmental footprints not only strikes a chord with stakeholders but also cultivates a favourable image of sustainable practices in the eyes of the public.

Source: Oxford-GlobeScan Global Corporate Affairs Survey 2023  Report

Impact of macro-economy on business: The impact of the macro-economy on business has risen significantly since the previous year. It is now considered one of the top risks for global businesses, replacing the issue of supply chain management.

 The macroeconomy’s influence on business is multifaceted, with economic fluctuations, trade dynamics, and fiscal policies directly affecting corporate strategies and operations. Economic volatility can disrupt supply chains, alter consumer spending patterns, and challenge market stability, all of which require swift and adaptive responses from businesses. Furthermore, the interplay between economic conditions and geopolitical events can magnify risks, making it imperative for corporate affairs professionals to closely monitor economic indicators and adjust communication strategies to navigate this ever-evolving landscape effectively.

It’s not all gloom and doom, however. Significant opportunities exist, too. 

Embracing Innovation and Adaptation

The digital era continues to revolutionise business. The survey highlights innovation, digitalisation, and AI as the most-cited areas of opportunity for global businesses. It comes as no surprise that the artificial intelligence (AI) market is projected to experience significant growth in the next ten years. Its current value of approximately 100 billion U.S. dollars is expected to increase twenty times over by 2030, reaching nearly two trillion U.S. dollars, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting

Adapting to Climate Change and a Just Energy Transition

Climate change is not only a risk but also a profound opportunity for businesses to make a positive impact. The survey underscores the significance of adapting to climate change and a just energy transition. Companies that champion sustainability and ecological responsibility can position themselves as leaders in a changing world. Through transparent communication and tangible actions, they can earn the trust and loyalty of environmentally conscious stakeholders.

Trust: Quality as a  Corporate Affairs Strategy

Quality Products and Services – A Trust-Building Cornerstone: The fabric of trust that binds companies and stakeholders is intricately woven with the quality of products and services. The survey reveals that 62% of respondents consider providing quality products and services as very important or essential for building trust. This reaffirms product excellence’s foundational role in maintaining positive relationships and perceptions. 

Many Corporate Affairs professionals have reported that their organisations have established a corporate purpose, with over 90% confirming this trend. This shift towards purpose-driven business models transforms the traditional focus on profits into a more meaningful approach. Purpose-driven companies win over stakeholders and make a positive and lasting impact on society.

The tides of change in 2023 are reshaping the landscape of global corporate affairs as we start looking ahead at what the year brings in 2024, prompting us to recalibrate our strategies and priorities. As the Global Corporate Affairs Survey Report suggests, geopolitical risks, climate change, and the macroeconomy are at the forefront of our considerations.  Corporate affairs professionals can navigate these trends with corporate storytelling highlighting innovation, green credentials and a time-honoured focus on quality.

Note: This blog is inspired by the insights from the 2023 Global Corporate Affairs Survey Report, conducted by GlobeScan and Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, and aims to provide a snapshot of the key trends shaping the world of corporate affairs in the current year.

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