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Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to show that corporate governance is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation; hence much attention has been paid to the procedures of such governance. Similarly sustainability is fundamental to the continuing operation of any corporation, and is arguably the fashionable concept of the moment. While it is clear what is generally meant by corporate governance it is much less clear what is meant by sustainability and the paper starts by investigating this concept. Design/methodology/approach -For two such fundamental concepts however it would seem that there should be a relationship between the two, although little work has been undertaken on exploring this relationship. The central part of this paper is therefore based upon an exploration of the relationship between governance and sustainability, by investigating the FTSE100 companies and their corporate governance policies. Findings -This analysis found some strengths -and hence cause for optimism -and some weaknesses -and hence cause for concern. Areas where further work is needed are identified.Research limitations/implications -The paper has implications in enhancing the understanding of the necessary components of corporate governance, although it is necessarily limited by the size of the sample. Originality/value -This paper increases the understanding of the relationship between corporate governance, sustainability and sustainable development.

corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate sustainability, cost of capital, environmental information, risk reduction, sustainability, sustainable development,

Purpose -The purpose of this research is to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) evidence and, especially, the experience and practice of enterprises in Portugal.Design/methodology/approach -As a generally accepted principle, the corporate social report is a communication and measurement object. But there are limitations concerning availability and accuracy of the data that could create constraints and diminish the scope of this report. Thus, the methodology for this paper is subdivided into two different aspects of research: First, an individual perspective about each enterprise studied and second, a general perspective applied to CSR in Portugal. The sample used was based on the survey developed by the Instituto ETHOS, applied to a sample of enterprises carried out in Portugal, during the year 2002. It was published by Exame in a special edition -''The guide of socially responsible enterprises''. So, the authors analyze and present the results that are of interest in the area of CSR activity. In order to do so the authors develop a principal component analysis to sort and group the original data.Findings -The preliminary analysis generated three components of CSR: the external influence (CSR external), the market influence (CSR market) and the operative influence (CSR operative) of the enterprises in Portugal.Originality/value -This research shows cultural differences and helps to highlight the importance of more research in this area in the newly expanded European Community. It also highlights the relationship between CSR activity and corporate image and performance.

Purpose -Although all organisations claim to be engaged in sustainable development, research shows that they misunderstand what is involved. This paper aims to reconsider what is meant by sustainability and to show that the way accounting operates in an organisation actually prevents an organisation from recognising sustainable operations. Design/methodology/approach -The paper develops a theoretical argument that sustainability depends upon a redefinition of efficiency and shows the problems with the current descriptions of organisational activity. Findings -The paper shows that efficiency is not demonstrated through cost cutting but through recognising value-creating activities, and that sustainability cannot be achieved without a consideration of the distribution of the effects of organisational activity.Research limitations/implications -The research shows a different model of sustainability which highlights key aspects that are not normally included; it thereby points the way towards further research possibilities. Practical implications -An understanding of the key aspects of sustainability will help an organisation in its strategic decision making. Originality/value -The paper presents a different approach to managing sustainability and also shows the relationship between corporate sustainability and corporate accounting, an area which is normally excluded from the discourse.

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