A more integrated approach will be the future of international accounting and gradually of national accounting as it summarizes all relevant information of various components of a corporate report. Integration is even more relevant from an internal perspective. A silo mentality that is still reality in many firms has negative consequences. By switching from silo mentality to integrated thinking and acting, companies can become more successful. See our opinion paper in cooperation with PwC Switzerland for further information.

Communication is vital for becoming more integrated. Many soft factors can only be disclosed via communication, therefore one needs to find ways and means of an integrated approach to communicate soft factor KPIs. Understanding hard factors requires interpretation and hence communication, too. A truly integrated management approach is represented in the application of a multidimensional Performance Management System (PMS). Such a management system is of no use if a common understanding of relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and the relationship between different stakeholder issues is missing. This shared understanding is created via smart communication.

We have analyzed how integrated Swiss companies think and act in a joint study of PwC Switzerland and the University of St.Gallen. Based upon the results of the study we have identified success factors and developed recommendations for the implementation of an efficient and modern Performance Management System and Stakeholder Management based upon still existing expectation gaps. The study was addressed to decision-makers and hence directed to Chief Financial Officers and members of the Board of Directors as well as to the Heads of Finance, Controlling and Accounting of leading Swiss companies.

We can help you with establishing Integrated Thinking, Acting and Reporting within your organization. In our understanding, a well-structured report is nice but a coherent materiality determination process and the application of useful frameworks and management tools for nonfinancial information are « conditio-sine-qua-non » for becoming more successful as an organization in the long term.

We also offer inhouse consulting and an independent analysis of your current reporting and management approach.

Before contacting us, you might think through the following questions:

• Do you as well as your investors and stakeholders know what you stand for?
• Do you consider all the material inputs affecting your longer term viability?
• Do you provide narrative evidence for the interdependencies between the capitals and how they affect value creation?
• Do you manage what you measure?
• How integrated is the thinking in your company and the respective decision-making processes?
• And: Do your current reports to the market answer these questions?