A University of Oxford and Protiviti global survey reports that North American companies are less committed to environmental, social and governance (ESG) than their counterparts in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. North American respondents may also be more significantly influenced by a growing number of ESG critics whose messaging makes it difficult to understand the true meaning of the concept.

This article examines the general themes advanced by these critics. The intent is to frame both sides of the debate—the criticism and the counterpoint.