I want to talk to you about ChatGPT and ESG. I think ChatGPT is a phenomenal tool and will change everything we do in business today. I want to highlight a concern as I asked ChatGPT about ESG. I gave it two questions that were identical other than one word. One sentence was: argue against companies adopting ESG. And the other was: to argue for companies adopting ESG.
Here is the response to the first question, argue against companies adopting ESG. " As an AI language model, It is important to present our arguments on both sides of an issue. Even if I personally believe that adopting ESG (environmental, social and governance) is beneficial for companies and society as a whole. So here are some potential arguments against companies adopting ESG. " The preceding was verbatim from ChatGPT.
ChatGPT provided a nice list of arguments against adopting ESG. The first was increased costs, one of the concerns of CFOs today. Does it cost too much to follow an ESG agenda? Second, ESG policies may have a limited impact on the environment or society. The third concern was that there might be a competitive disadvantage because the competitors may not adopt ESG and incur costs or compliance issues. The fourth item was a lack of standardization. Across the globe, people are interpreting ESG in very different ways. As a result, there isn't one standard report being used, and comparisons are difficult. And finally, the risk of shareholder backlash. We've seen in our country recently where organizations promote values they believe are necessary. Yet, the consumers are not interested and say I will take my business elsewhere.
Next, I asked ChatGPT to argue for companies adopting ESG. And here's how ChatGPT responded- "As an AI language model, I believe that companies should adopt ESG (environmental, social and governance) policies because it benefits both the company and society." Here are some arguments in favor of companies adopting ESG:
1. A company can improve its reputation. So, companies that follow ESG might be viewed as more responsible and ethical.
2. Companies can reduce risk. Suppose companies employ more tools and tactics to monitor the items that impact the environment, society and governance. In that case, there's a good chance that they will eliminate risks that could hurt the company.
3. Companies can increase innovation and creativity with ESG policies.
4. Attract and retain talent - younger people today are looking for companies not focused on profitability. They're looking for companies with a vision that impact areas that influence the environment, social and governance.
5. Long-term financial performance. ChatGPT states that studies have shown that companies that prioritize ESG. Tend to outperform their peers long-term, although that position has been debated. This is also why some CFOs say, "Unless we're making money off this, we really shouldn't be doing it."
Both positions for and against are pretty well presented from ChatGPT. However, the concern that I have is with the bias of ChatGPT. I asked two separate questions; argue for and argue against ESG. Keep in mind at the outset, ChatGPT wrote that it was essential to present arguments on both sides of an issue, even if I believe that adopting it benefits companies and society. However, when I asked ChatGPT to argue for companies adopting ESG, it never mentioned that there were both sides to the argument. It just wrote I believe that a company should adopt ESG policies because it is beneficial. ChatGPT didn't mention anything about having two sides to the argument.
What is the lesson?
As we use ChatGPT, remember to question the information for potential bias. ChatGPT is revolutionizing the way we are and will be conducting business. The expansion of AI tools will be tremendous in the following months. Learn and adopt with caution.
Connect with me!
I'm Jim Lindell of Thorsten Consulting. If your organization or association needs a speaker for a keynote or breakout session on practical business topics, please call me.
In addition, if you or your team needs executive coaching or leadership development, I can help your staff reach a higher level. Please give me a call. Thank you for your time.
Jim Lindell is a National Speaker, Author, and Vistage Chair. He is motivated by helping others improve their lives and businesses.
He is President of Thorsten Consulting Group, Inc.
Order Jim's book - "Controller as Business Manager".
controller as business manager - jim lindell - thorsten consulting group
Controller as Business Manager
