Invisible shareholder: a theoretical perspective on the relationship among natural capital, business, and society

Abstract

The term “natural capital” originated in the field of economics but has gained increasing prominence in accounting in recent years. Natural capital is the stock of renewable or non-renewable natural resources that benefit both society and businesses, providing value through ecosystem services. This essay proposes the theoretical perspective of the invisible shareholder, highlighting the often unacknowledged contribution of society as a supplier of natural capital to businesses. This perspective is grounded in the following observations: a) natural capital arises from the natural resources that constitute our natural heritage, b) the combination of these resources contributes to the value creation of businesses, and c) accounting disclosures typically do not account for society’s participation in the value generated by businesses The study examines the relationship between natural capital, business, and society based on aspects associated with ownership and control, the contribution of natural capital in the business value creation process, and the elements that involve disclosing this relationship in accounting.