Guidelines for Effective Public Accountability

          Corporate public accountability is a key factor in building a sustainable community   These guidelines are offered as a measure that a program is publicly accountable.

          1) Accountability - Are there mutually agreed upon guidelines for evaluation of environmental, social and economic performance and progress with a group outside of industry and representing the broader public interest?

         2) Measurement - Is there an agreed upon method of measuring progress against stated goals?

         3) Disclosure - Is information on environmental, social and economic performance available in a public report?

         4) Dialogue - Is the company conducting regular dialogue with national and local groups including those critical of its performance?  

         5) Participation - Are diverse representatives of local,  national and international groups and issues involved in decision making or advisory processes of the company in a mutually agreeable way?  Are those representatives accountable to any groups outside the company?  

         6) Accessibility - Is information about environmental, social and economic performance easily available? Are persons in the company easily accessible to interpret data and systems?

         7) Simplicity of understanding - Is information available in a form easily understood and useful for comparison on an annual basis and with other similar companies?

         8) Consistency of policy and practice - Are the practices of the company consistent with corporate policy?

         9) Veracity of advertising image - Is public advertising based on company practice or primarily intended to enhance image?

         10) Trust - Is a spirit of trust and cooperation exhibited between corporate and public representatives?

         11) Credibility - Is information provided reliable and are persons believable?

         12) Independent assessment -  Is information provided by the company confirmed by independent, third party assessment?

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