ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the state of sustainability reporting and introduces the Global Reporting Initiative. It examines the state of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) reporting and transparency. The chapter explores the current trends that are driving even greater transparency from SMEs. SMEs publicly report on corporate responsibility broadly in two ways, in addition to less formal approaches to communicating corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainability messages on company websites. These are: CSR or Sustainability Report and UN Global Compact Communication on Progress. The Sustainability Report may come in different shapes, sizes and formats, including print or wholly online versions. Global Reporting Initiative has pioneered and developed a comprehensive Sustainability Reporting Framework that is widely used around the world. Participation requires two things: a written declaration by the head of the company to uphold the ten principles of the Global Compact, and an annual communication (COP) on how the company is upholding its commitment.
