Shareholder activism is likely to grow over the next few years, according to CoreData research released Thursday.
CoreData surveyed 150 institutional investors in the past two months, and found that 91% expect more activism in the future, while only 81% saw that in the past three years.
Environmental issues, including environmental protection and renewable energy, were perceived as ones they can most influence, with less influence likely on social issues such as gender equity, health and well-being, and education.
Two-thirds of the investors think their own organization is responsible for promoting change in companies, and 87% believe asset managers also bear responsibility. "Investors expect asset managers to fulfill their responsibilities to push for positive change," and managers need to demonstrate that, said Andrew Inwood, CoreData principal, in a news release.
On the question of how businesses are handling COVID-19, 68% of the investors reported increased investor scrutiny.
