The idea of showcasing the ethical values underlying a social business through answers to a questionnaire is of appealing simplicity, yet likely to disregard the complexity of the world it aims to survey. This partial view on complex issues, as hinted to in Emily’s post, may hide more that it illuminates in the way of what makes a social business’ ethical policy worthy of investor approval.
Going through the (optional) exercise of filling out the questionnaire could be per se valuable for the entrepreneur, even if it results in making her merely think about the issues at hand and not necessarily in giving truthful answers. However, if moral correctness of the business practice is critical for decision-making, the investor looking at the questionnaire may not be equipped with the knowledge needed to place them in the right context, which is why providing a contextual cultural frame is perhaps of higher priority and a more essential thing.
Questionnaire questions on minimum wages, child labour and safety may still be highly relevant from a legal standpoint and can certainly say something about the moral conduct of the management.
But is there any other way IDG could allow for richer discussions between entrepreneurs and concerned investors, and portray the complexity of what it is to do Good and invest in social business?