More than two-thirds of the world's largest listed companies have committed to responsible business conduct (RBC), but implementation is lagging, according to a new OECD report. The report also highlights how governments can help companies turn ambition into action.
The OECD Responsible Business Outlook 2026: Making Commitments Count provides the first global assessment of how companies worldwide practice responsible business conduct and how governments promote it through public policies. The Outlook analyses publicly disclosed information from the 10 000 largest listed companies globally and reviews government policies across 52 countries.
The report was launched on the 50th anniversary of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct (MNE Guidelines), which is the main international standard for companies and investors to address their impacts on people, the planet and society. It shows that while 69% of large listed companies have RBC policies and management systems in place, far fewer report taking action to identify and address adverse social and environmental impacts.
"Responsible business conduct is about making sure business activity improves people's lives and helps protect the planet," said OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. "The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises provide a global reference point, but while commitment is growing worldwide, implementation is lagging. Governments can and should help close that gap, with policies that incentivise and enable more responsible practices."
The Outlook shows that commitments related to corruption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are the most common, followed by forced labour, child labour and human rights. Less than half of large listed companies have commitments to freedom of association and only a quarter to biodiversity. More than one third (36%) of large listed companies have a cross‑cutting commitment to RBC spanning all social topics as well as GHG emissions and corruption.
Regionally, commitments to RBC are most common in Europe and least common in China.
Half of large listed companies report using environmental or social criteria in the selection of suppliers, but fewer than 20% report evaluating supplier risk on these issues. While 25% of companies report training or working with suppliers on environmental and social issues, just 7% integrate social supply chain policies into purchasing practices, and only 3% disclose improvements in workplace health and safety in their supply chain.
A large majority of OECD Member countries (84%), and 67% adherents to the MNE Guidelines, have introduced due diligence-related regulation, such as laws related to sustainability reporting, due diligence conduct, and product or market‑based measures.
The Outlook highlights what governments can do to incentivise companies and enable them to carry out outcome-oriented environmental and social due diligence, including:
- Providing practical and operational support to companies in carrying out risk-based due diligence in their supply chains.
- Promoting better reporting and tracking of companies' responsible business practices, including on due diligence.
- Improving the evidence base on the impact of RBC policies.
- Co-operating on RBC-related policies to reduce complexity and promote a level playing field across jurisdictions.
The OECD also supports a global network of National Contact Points (NCPs) which promote responsible business conduct with business and other stakeholders, act as non-judicial grievance mechanisms for cases of alleged non-observance of the OECD Guidelines, and support government policy efforts on RBC. Over the past 25 years, NCPs have handled 900+ cases across 110+ countries, helping address real-world challenges.
