THE CHALLENGES OF ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT  

A revealing risk management report surveying nearly 500 CFOs in the US was recently issued by the American Institute of CPAs and North Carolina State University. 

  • 48% - Mostly or extensively concerned about company’s ability to manage leadership and talent needs

  • 42% - Impact of the economy

  • 40% - Innovations disrupting their business model

  • 34% - Shifts in consumer and social demographics

  • 30% - Social media harming the organization’s reputation and brand

59% agreed that the volume and complexity of corporate risks have changed extensively over the last five years, and that most did not have a complete enterprise risk management process in place. 

The overall key findings were:

  • There is a growing demand for Chief Risk Officers (CROs)

  • Management wants a greater focus on risk

  • There is a disconnect between risk and strategy

 Barriers cited included beliefs that there were

  • Competing priorities

  • Insufficient resources, and

  • Risk was monitored in other ways besides for ERM

Mining companies continue having a number of social risks that over decades have formed much like sedimentary rock.  And just like metamorphism, they too will undergo change brought about not by extreme physical heat and pressure, but by social stresses that continue to expand.  Educating and updating the public requires a proactive approach.  While standard programs may still be applied, today’s environment demands more creative and contemporary methods and means – from thought leadership to advertorials to influencers and maximizing multiple platforms.  Continuing to respond to the latest barrier before us will eventually result in an industry pushed beyond our borders.