60% Think SRI Funds Keep Companies Honest

A majority of investors believe socially responsible investment (SRI) funds are doing a good job of keeping companies on the straight and narrow, a survey for Calvert shows.

Sixty percent said they believe the leverage that SRI funds have keeps companies honest and 66% said SRI funds result in safer products. Fifty-five percent said they believe it is important for SRI funds to influence companies to act in the best interest of mankind.

Specifically, respondents noted how SRI funds can pressure companies to work toward environmental safety, to pay fairer wages to employees, to reduce sweat shop labor conditions in Third World countries and to give equal opportunities to women and minorities.

"These survey results show that investors are encouraged by the impact SRI has on business," said Calvert Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Reggie Stanley. "Furthermore, investors understand that through investments in SRI [funds], they themselves can have an impact on corporate behavior."

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Money Management Executive
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