A master thesis from Aalborg University
Hvordan reagerer detailinvestorer på virksomhedernes ESG rapportering?: Hvordan reagerer detailinvestorer på virksomhedernes ESG rapportering?
[How do individual investors respond to companies' ESG reporting?: How do individual investors respond to companies' ESG reporting?]
Forfatter(e)
Semester
4. semester
Uddannelse
Udgivelsesår
2025
Afleveret
2025-01-03
Antal sider
46 pages
Abstract
This paper explores how private investors perceive ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and incorporate ESG data into their stock investment decisions. It addresses the role of demographic factors, ESG familiarity, and the extent to which ESG reporting shapes investment strategies. This study is pivotal in understanding how to enhance ESG communication and promote sustainable investment practices among private investors. The research employs a mixed-method approach, including a literature review and an empirical analysis based on survey data from 96 Danish private investors. The survey investigates investors’ perceptions of ESG data reliability, their familiarity with ESG concepts, and how ESG factors influence their risk assessments and stock selections. The data were collected using purposive sampling to ensure participants had relevant knowledge of ESG and investment practices. Findings reveal that many private investors are skeptical about the reliability of ESG reporting, with concerns over greenwashing and a lack of standardized reporting frameworks. However, investors with higher ESG knowledge report more frequent use of ESG data in stock selection. This study highlights the need for standardized and transparent ESG reporting to increase private investors' trust and engagement in sustainable investing. By aligning ESG communication with investor expectations, companies can enhance their relationships with private investors and contribute to broader sustainable financial practices. Keywords: ESG reporting, private investors, sustainable investing, greenwashing, demographic factors, investment decision-making
This paper explores how private investors perceive ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting and incorporate ESG data into their stock investment decisions. It addresses the role of demographic factors, ESG familiarity, and the extent to which ESG reporting shapes investment strategies. This study is pivotal in understanding how to enhance ESG communication and promote sustainable investment practices among private investors. The research employs a mixed-method approach, including a literature review and an empirical analysis based on survey data from 96 Danish private investors. The survey investigates investors’ perceptions of ESG data reliability, their familiarity with ESG concepts, and how ESG factors influence their risk assessments and stock selections. The data were collected using purposive sampling to ensure participants had relevant knowledge of ESG and investment practices. Findings reveal that many private investors are skeptical about the reliability of ESG reporting, with concerns over greenwashing and a lack of standardized reporting frameworks. However, investors with higher ESG knowledge report more frequent use of ESG data in stock selection. This study highlights the need for standardized and transparent ESG reporting to increase private investors' trust and engagement in sustainable investing. By aligning ESG communication with investor expectations, companies can enhance their relationships with private investors and contribute to broader sustainable financial practices. Keywords: ESG reporting, private investors, sustainable investing, greenwashing, demographic factors, investment decision-making
Emneord
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