Corporate Responsible Behavior : Navigating Europe’s Changing Regulatory Landscape

This thesis investigates how large Dutch companies can adapt their ESG reporting practices to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape in the form the CSRD. The study combines literature review with interviews of ESG managers and experts to answer how companies can adjust to the current uncertainty. The research reveals five key aspects of corporate ESG strategy. Firstly, potential value creation should be the primary driver for ESG investments. Companies are advised to focus on long-term planning and goal-setting rather than agility. Effective stakeholder and value chain communication can drive value creation for the company and its entire ecosystem. While data management and technology will be crucial in the future, current priorities should be establishing proper processes and data streams. Lastly, organizational structure plays a vital role in internal processes and departmental collaboration for data gathering and reporting. Experts predict sustainability will become a core business procedure, with additional regulations coming over the next years. The study contributes to both theory and practice by providing actionable guidance for corporate ESG strategy. It addresses knowledge gaps and offers directly applicable results for large companies, while also serving as a foundation for further research on cross-country differences and specific aspects of ESG reporting.