Communication Challenges in Data-Driven Sustainable Asset Management in the German Foundation Sector
Communication Challenges in Data-Driven Sustainable Asset Management in the German Foundation Sector

Summary/Abstract: Due to its federal structures, the lack of central data registers and high organizational heterogeneity, the German foundation sector is considered a ‘hard-to-reach’ population. This paper examines the challenges and appropriate communication strategies for data collection in the context of ESG-compliant investments by foundations. The aim is to identify effective communication channels and derive methodological implications for further research. Methodologically, the study is based on a standardized online survey of foundations, which was distributed via various communication channels (including email, networks and reminders). Different outreach strategies were empirically tested and evaluated in terms of their effectiveness. The results show that reaching this target group involves structural challenges, which are exacerbated by low response rates and self-selection processes. It also becomes clear that combined and target-group-specific communication approaches can ultimately increase willingness to participate. Overall, this paper provides practice-relevant insights for empirical research in hard-to-reach organizational contexts.

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