Among the noteworthy findings from Glass Lewis’s survey of asset managers and asset owners globally* are insights into regional differences in engagement priorities and the extent to which ESG-related debates have influenced stewardship approaches.
The results indicate regional differences in engagement focus. North American respondents reported a greater emphasis on board effectiveness and oversight (67%) compared to European respondents (30%). European respondents, by contrast, reported greater focus on biodiversity and natural capital (57%) and human and labor rights (52%) compared to 10% and 14%, respectively, among North American respondents.
With respect to the broader ESG/anti-ESG debate, most respondents indicated some level of influence on stewardship priorities in the past 12 months, though generally limited in magnitude, as shown here:
The report further notes that these responses did not show significant regional variation, and overall suggest that external ESG debates have tended to shape stewardship priorities at the margins rather than drive fundamental changes.
*According to the report, respondents consisted primarily of asset managers with regional representation of 49% EMEA; 44% North American; and 7% APAC.
This post first appeared in the weekly Society Alert!