JP7834265B2 - Computer systems and methods for conducting awareness surveys and raising awareness. - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a computer system, etc., for conducting awareness surveys and providing awareness support within companies.

The value of a company is now evaluated not only by its "economic value" as reflected in its financial statements, but also by its "social value," represented by ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance). As institutional investors increasingly prioritize investments in companies that are proactive in ESG initiatives, there is a growing recognition that companies should also address environmental concerns, respect for human rights, and improvements to working conditions.

One of a company's ESG initiatives is the establishment of an internal whistleblowing system. Patent Document 1 discloses technology for a whistleblowing management system that ensures the anonymity of whistleblowers while efficiently sharing the status and progress of responses to internal reports among relevant parties. By implementing such a system, companies can enhance their value in the Governance (governance) aspect of ESG.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-22251

However, what is desired is not just a mechanism to enhance the value related to governance, but a mechanism to improve the overall ESG value of a company.

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a technology that can efficiently improve the overall ESG value of a company.

The first invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a computer system for conducting awareness surveys and providing support for awareness-raising regarding ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) within companies.
A survey implementation control means (for example, the control board 1150 in Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the survey implementation control unit 210, the survey implementation control data 700 in Figure 14, and the survey implementation process in Figure 19) controls the implementation of a survey via employee terminals to each employee of the aforementioned company, in which each question is associated with an ESG classification item, and
A feedback reception control means (for example, the control board 1150 in Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the feedback reception control unit 214, and steps S24 to S26 in Figure 19) that controls the reception of feedback from the employee terminal, including the selection of a feedback option associated with each ESG classification item and a question or opinion regarding the selected feedback option,
A feedback notification control means (for example, the control board 1150 in Figure 1, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the feedback notification control unit 216, the feedback contact setting data 560 in Figure 16, and step S30 in Figure 19) controls the notification of the feedback to the contact person for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected feedback option of the feedback received by the feedback reception control means, among the contact persons of the company in charge associated with each ESG classification item.
The computer system comprises the following: the survey implementation control means controls the implementation of a survey containing the same questions to the same employee at a given time interval.

The term "computer system" as used here can refer to a system composed of a single computer, or a system composed of multiple computers working together.

According to the first invention, employees' awareness of ESG issues is aroused during the process of reading and answering the questionnaire questions. While this aroused level of ESG awareness may decrease over time, the questionnaire is administered repeatedly at given time intervals. Therefore, employees can repeatedly recall their ESG awareness and maintain a high level of awareness. In other words, the questionnaire can be used as one of the awareness-raising activities aimed at improving and maintaining ESG awareness.

Furthermore, according to the first invention, it is possible to receive ESG-related questions and opinions from employees separately from conducting the questionnaire. That is, while employees' awareness of ESG issues is heightened in the process of reading and answering the questionnaire questions, they may also recall ESG-related questions and opinions from their daily work. According to the first invention, it is possible to obtain ESG-related questions and opinions from employees without missing these opportunities.

In summary, the first invention allows for the effective implementation of awareness-raising activities that increase opportunities for employees to improve their ESG awareness, centered around a questionnaire for surveying employees' ESG awareness, as well as the reception of questions and opinions related to ESG. Therefore, it becomes possible to efficiently improve the overall ESG value of a company.

The second invention provides an internal reporting reception control means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the internal reporting reception control unit 218 in Figure 13, and steps S50 to S56 in Figure 19) that controls the reception of an internal reporting from the employee terminal, including the selection of an internal reporting option associated with each of the ESG classification items and the content of the reporting related to the selected internal reporting option.
The computer system of the first invention further comprises an internal reporting notification control means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the internal reporting notification control unit 220, the internal reporting contact setting data 562 in Figure 16, and step S56 in Figure 19) which controls the notification of the internal reporting to the internal reporting contact for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected internal reporting option of the internal reporting received by the internal reporting reception control means, among the internal reporting contacts of the company associated with each of the ESG classification items.

According to the second invention, it is possible to receive internal reports from employees regarding ESG issues. That is, while employees' awareness of ESG issues is aroused in the process of reading and answering the questionnaire questions, they may also recall matters in their daily work that should be reported internally. According to the second invention, it is possible to provide employees with an opportunity to report internally without missing such opportunities.
In other words, according to the second invention, it becomes possible to further enhance the integrated operation of a company's overall ESG initiatives and to more efficiently improve a company's value in terms of ESG.

The third invention is a computer system according to the first or second invention, further comprising: the survey implementation control means repeatedly administering all questions of a single survey to each employee at given intervals; and a survey aggregation means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the survey aggregation unit 222, the survey aggregation data 620 in Figure 17, and step S84 in Figure 20) that aggregates the responses of the single survey administered to each employee during the same period by the survey implementation control means as the results of an ESG awareness survey for the company at the given interval.

According to the third invention, the computer system repeatedly administers questionnaires at given intervals and compiles the responses. Therefore, companies can understand the level of employees' ESG awareness over time. Furthermore, by repeatedly administering the questionnaires, employees' ESG awareness is stimulated each time, and a high level of awareness is maintained.

The fourth invention is a computer system of the third invention in which the questionnaire implementation control means divides the questions of one questionnaire into separate questionnaires and implements the questionnaire at different times.

According to the fourth invention, the computer system distributes a single questionnaire by dividing it into different implementation periods. In this case, the time required for each distributed implementation is far less than the time required to answer the entire questionnaire in one go. Therefore, the impact of conducting the questionnaire on daily work is distributed. For example, one effect is that it becomes easier to schedule the implementation of the questionnaire. In addition, since awareness of ESG issues is stimulated with each distributed implementation, further effects on improving and maintaining ESG awareness can be expected.

The fifth invention is a computer system of the third or fourth invention, wherein the ESG classification items are categorized according to the major ESG classifications, and the questionnaire aggregation means performs the aggregation for each ESG classification item to determine the major ESG classification evaluation and the overall ESG evaluation for the company.

According to the fifth invention, it is possible to obtain an ESG major category evaluation and an overall ESG evaluation based on the aggregated results of the questionnaire. This allows, for example, a company's manager to analyze which areas within the ESG major categories should be prioritized for improvement in order to improve the overall ESG evaluation.

The sixth invention is a computer system of the fifth invention, wherein the questionnaire implementation control means conducts questionnaires for multiple companies, and the questionnaire aggregation means performs the aggregation for each company, calculating the average of the ESG major category evaluations and the average of the overall ESG evaluations.

According to the sixth invention, the average values for each company that conducted the survey can be obtained, including the average ESG major category evaluation and the average ESG overall evaluation. This makes it possible to compare the individual evaluations of each company that conducted the survey with the average for all companies that participated.

The seventh invention is a computer system according to the fifth or sixth invention, further comprising: an evaluation map creation control means (for example, the server processing unit 200s in Figure 13, the evaluation map creation control unit 212, the business-specific corporate group evaluation map data 640 in Figure 17, and step S88 in Figure 20), which controls the survey implementation control means to conduct a survey on multiple companies constituting a single corporate group related to a common product or service; the survey aggregation means to perform the aggregation for each company constituting the corporate group; and the creation of a predetermined corporate group evaluation map that shows the ESG major category evaluation or the overall ESG evaluation for each company, along with a diagram of the relationships between the companies.

A "relationship diagram between companies" is a diagram that shows the connections between multiple different companies. "Relationship" may include, for example, capital relationships such as parent and subsidiary companies, supply chain relationships such as suppliers/delivery destinations for common goods or services, or contractual relationships. "Diagram" may include, for example, a tree diagram or sociogram connecting related companies with lines, or a hierarchical diagram showing relationships in a top-down, left-right, or top-down arrangement.

According to the seventh invention, a company can obtain a corporate group evaluation map that shows its ESG major category evaluation and overall ESG evaluation for each company, along with related charts between companies. This allows, for example, a company to present an evaluation of its entire corporate group, including related companies, to investors.

The eighth invention is a method for conducting awareness surveys and providing awareness support for a company's ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) awareness surveys using a computer system. This method includes: controlling the implementation of a questionnaire, with each question corresponding to an ESG classification item, via an employee terminal; controlling the reception of feedback from the employee terminal, including the selection of feedback options corresponding to each ESG classification item, and questions or opinions regarding the selected feedback options; and controlling the notification of the feedback to the contact person for the relevant department or person in charge of the company, corresponding to the selected feedback option in the received feedback. The control for conducting the questionnaire includes controlling the implementation of the same questionnaire, containing the same questions, to the same employee at a given time interval.

According to the eighth invention, a method for conducting awareness surveys and providing educational support that achieves the same effects as the first invention can be realized.

A diagram showing an example of the support system configuration. A conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of questions in a single questionnaire and the distributed administration of that questionnaire. A diagram illustrating the schedule for distributing a single questionnaire, compiling the responses, and publishing the results externally. This diagram shows an example of a response screen displayed on an employee's terminal during a distributed survey. A diagram showing an example of the question/comment submission screen. A diagram explaining how questions and comments are handled after they are submitted. A diagram showing an example of the display of the internal whistleblowing reception screen. A diagram illustrating how internal whistleblowing is handled. A diagram illustrating the output of survey results and evaluation results based on those results. A diagram showing an example of how the company's own screen is displayed. A diagram showing an example of how the comparison screen is displayed. A diagram showing an example of how the evaluation map screen is displayed. A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a server system. A diagram showing examples of programs and data stored in the server's memory unit. A diagram showing an example of the data structure of the survey definition data. A diagram showing an example of the data structure of company registration data. A diagram showing an example of the data structure of survey data. A functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an employee terminal. A flowchart illustrating the process of conducting a survey. A flowchart illustrating the process of compiling survey results. A flowchart to explain the flow of the results display process. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system in the second embodiment. A diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an employee terminal in the second embodiment. A diagram showing an example of a display by implementation. A diagram showing an example of a display by implementation.

The following describes examples of embodiments of the present invention, but it goes without saying that the applicable forms of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described below.

[First Embodiment]
Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the support system.
The support system 1000 is a computer system that supports the improvement of ESG-related value for client companies (hereinafter simply referred to as "companies") that have entered into a contract to use the support system 1000. The support system 1000 comprises a server system 1100 capable of data communication via network 9, and employee terminals 1500 used individually by each employee of the company (including managers), with the employee terminals 1500 serving as the Man-Machine Interface (MMIF). Although three employee terminals 1500 are depicted in Figure 1, the actual number of employee terminals 1500 is not particularly limited in system operation.

Network 9 refers to a communication path capable of data communication. Specifically, Network 9 includes not only LANs (Local Area Networks) using dedicated lines (dedicated cables) or Ethernet (registered trademark) for direct connections, but also communication networks such as telephone networks, cable networks, and the Internet. Furthermore, the communication method is either wired or wireless.

The server system 1100 has a control board 1150. The control board 1150 is equipped with various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1151, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), various IC memories 1152 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication device 1153. Part or all of the control board 1150 may be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a SoC (System on a Chip).

The server system 1100 implements various functions described later by having the control board 1150 perform calculations based on predetermined programs and data.

Note that while Figure 1 depicts the server system 1100 as a single server device, it may be implemented using multiple devices. For example, the server system 1100 may consist of multiple blade servers, each handling different functions, connected to each other via an internal bus for data communication. Furthermore, the location of the hardware constituting the server system 1100 is not restricted. Multiple independent servers located in separate locations may function as the server system 1100 by communicating data via the network 9. The server system 1100 may also be a system built on the cloud.

The employee terminal 1500 is a computer system used by company employees to access the support system 1000. In Figure 1, the employee terminal 1500 is represented as a device commonly known as a smartphone; however, any computer system such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or other wearable computer, tablet computer, or personal computer may also be used. When multiple electronic devices, such as a smartphone and a smartwatch connected to that smartphone, are connected in a communicative manner to perform a single function, these multiple electronic devices can be considered as a single employee terminal 1500.

The employee terminal 1500 comprises an operation input device (e.g., touch panel 1506, keyboard, mouse, etc.), an image display device (e.g., touch panel 1506, video monitor, etc.), and a control board 1550.

The control board 1550 incorporates a CPU 1551, various microprocessors such as a GPU and DSP, various IC memories 1552 such as VRAM, RAM, and ROM, and a communication module 1553 connected to the network 9. These components on the control board 1550 are electrically connected via bus circuits, enabling data reading and writing, and signal transmission and reception. Part or all of the control board 1550 may be constructed using ASICs, FPGAs, or SoCs. The control board 1550 stores programs and various data necessary to realize the functions of an employee terminal in the IC memory 1552.

The employee terminal 1500, by executing a predetermined application program, realizes the function of an MMIF (Multi-Mechanism Interface) for using the support system 1000, that is, the function of a client terminal in a client-server system.

Furthermore, while the employee terminal 1500 is configured to download application programs and various data necessary for their execution from the server system 1100, it may also be configured to read them from a separate storage medium such as a memory card.

The core of the support functions provided by support system 1000 is the implementation of questionnaires aimed at surveying employees' awareness of ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) issues.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the structure of questions in a single questionnaire and the distributed administration of the questionnaire. A single questionnaire contains numerous questions 4, each question 4 being associated with a hierarchical classification item. The highest level of classification is one of the major ESG categories 6. The lower levels can be set as appropriate. For example, as shown in Figure 2, a structure can be created in which multiple ESG classification items 8 are provided for one major ESG category 6. Alternatively, the ESG classification items 8 may have multiple hierarchical structures.

Each of the multiple questions (Question 4) is associated with an ESG classification item (Item 8), and the employee's awareness level regarding the corresponding ESG classification item (Item 8) is determined by their response to Question 4.

Question 4 is assigned a unique question ID to identify the corresponding classification item. In the example in Figure 2, "EA01," "EA02," etc., represent the question IDs. The question ID is composed of "E," "S," and "G," which represent the major ESG category 6, "A," "B," etc., which represent the lower-level ESG classification items 8, and the question numbers "01," "02," etc., in sequence.

One possible approach to conducting a survey is to administer it only once during a given period (for example, once a year, or once every few years), with respondents answering all questions in a single session. However, surveys aimed at investigating ESG awareness typically have a large number of questions.

Therefore, completing all questions on a single questionnaire in one session requires a considerable amount of time (sometimes more than an hour). For companies, ensuring that all employees have the necessary time to complete the questionnaire consecutively while minimizing the impact on business operations is a significant burden. Furthermore, employees also face the burden of having to answer the questionnaire over an extended period.

Therefore, the support system 1000 distributes the "single questionnaire," which would normally require all questions to be answered in a single session, across multiple sessions within a given period. Specifically, multiple questions 4, which correspond to the lowest-level ESG classification item 8, are distributed among the distributed questionnaires. For example, if one questionnaire is to be conducted over a year (in this case, the given period is one year), the questionnaire might be divided into three sessions within that year. The distribution of each question among the distributed questionnaires can be configured as needed.

Figure 2 shows an example where one questionnaire is distributed across three sessions, but the number of distributions can be adjusted as needed. It is preferable to set the time intervals between distributions to be roughly the same length, but different time intervals may be used depending on the work schedule. The distribution schedule can be company-wide or by workplace.

The time required for a distributed survey in a single, staggered implementation is significantly shorter than the time required for a single, complete survey with all questions answered. Therefore, it becomes easier for companies to control the survey schedule. For employees, the shorter completion time reduces the workload.

Figure 3 is an illustrative schedule for the distributed administration, response tabulation, and external announcement of a single questionnaire. Once all distributed questionnaires related to one questionnaire (the third distributed questionnaire in the example in Figure 3) are completed, each employee will have answered all questions within the given period. After all distributed questionnaires related to one questionnaire are completed, the responses to all questions are tabulated, and the results are used to estimate the level of employees' ESG awareness during the given period. Companies can then disclose this information to investors regarding the level of their employees' ESG awareness.

For a company that annually discloses the ESG awareness levels of its employees, the given period would be one year, and the same survey should be administered in the same distributed manner each year. In this case, as the number of repetitions increases, it becomes possible to compare ESG awareness levels year by year, demonstrating the continuity of the company's ESG efforts and contributing to the improvement of its ESG value.

Figure 4 shows an example of the response screen W2 displayed on an employee terminal 1500 in a distributed survey.
The answer screen W2 displays the ESG classification items 10 for the currently answered question, the instruction text 11 that explains the purpose of the current question and guidelines for answering, the question text 12, the answer choices 14, the question/comment operation icon 16, and the internal reporting operation icon 18. Note that the display format of the answer choices 14 is not limited to the radio button type shown in Figure 4, but can be set as appropriate. For example, a check button type or a dial type may also be used.

The question/comment operation icon 16 accepts the start of the process of submitting questions or comments to the company. When an operation on this icon is detected, the employee terminal 1500 displays the question/comment submission screen W4, as shown in Figure 5.

The question/comment submission screen W4 displays the following: a classification item display 20 for ESG classification items, a feedback option display 22 indicating the classification of the question or comment to be submitted, a text input field 24 for the question or comment, a real name/anonymity option display 26, a cancel operation icon 28, and a submission execution operation icon 29. Note that the content displayed on the question/comment submission screen W4 is not limited to these and can be configured as needed.

The employee submitting the feedback selects one of the feedback options displayed 22, enters their opinion or question in the input field 24, selects one of the real name/anonymity options displayed 26, and then operates the submit operation icon 29 to submit the entered question or opinion. Alternatively, after operating the submit operation icon 29, a final confirmation screen of the input content may be displayed, and the submission may be completed upon approval on this confirmation screen.

Figure 6 illustrates how questions and opinions are handled after submission in the support system 1000. When the submission execution icon 29 is operated, feedback 30, which is the input result from the question/opinion submission screen W4, is sent from the employee terminal 1500 to the server system 1100.

The server system 1100 pre-stores contact information 34 for the department or person responsible for handling questions and opinions related to the feedback options 32, associated with each option. The feedback options 32 correspond to the feedback option display 22 shown on the question/opinion submission screen W4.

When the server system 1100 receives feedback 30, it considers that the question/comment has been accepted. Then, it sends a feedback notification 36 to the employee terminal 1500 corresponding to the feedback contact information 34, which is linked to the selected feedback options (the result of the feedback options selection) included in the received feedback 30.

The feedback notification 36 includes the date and time, the content of the question or opinion, and poster information (if real name is selected in the real name/anonymous option display 26, the employee ID and its contact information; if anonymous is selected in the real name/anonymous option display 26, predetermined information indicating anonymity).
The department or person in charge who receives the feedback notification 36 will address the questions or comments. This includes, for example, answering questions or comments from the poster and making inquiries to obtain additional information.

For companies, conducting ESG-related surveys allows them to raise employee awareness of ESG issues and gather questions and opinions related to ESG. For employees, it provides a timely opportunity to voice ESG-related questions and opinions that might otherwise be overlooked in their daily work. In short, companies can obtain ESG-related feedback from employees that was previously unattainable.

This has the effect of raising and maintaining a high level of awareness among employees regarding ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) issues. Specifically, employees can increase their awareness of ESG issues by reading the questionnaire questions and considering their answers. Furthermore, the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions on ESG issues based on their responses to the questionnaire can further raise employees' level of ESG awareness.

Returning to Figure 4, the internal reporting operation icon 18 accepts the operation to initiate an internal reporting. When an operation on this icon is detected, the employee terminal 1500 displays the internal reporting reception screen W6, as shown in Figure 7.

The internal whistleblowing reception screen W6 displays the ESG classification items (40), the internal whistleblowing options (42) indicating the type of whistleblowing report, a text input field (44) for the report content, a cancel icon (48), and a report execution icon (49). Note that the content displayed on the internal whistleblowing reception screen W6 is not limited to these and can be configured as needed.

An employee making a whistleblowing report selects one of the internal reporting options displayed 42, enters the content of the report in the entry field 44, and operates the report execution icon 49 to execute an anonymous internal report. Alternatively, after operating the report execution icon 49, a final confirmation screen of the entered content may be displayed, and the report may be submitted only after approval on this confirmation screen.

Figure 8 illustrates the handling of internal reports in the support system 1000. When the report execution icon 49 is operated on the internal report reception screen W6, the internal report 50, which is the input result from the internal report reception screen W6, is transmitted from the employee terminal 1500 to the server system 1100.

When the server system 1100 receives the internal report 50, it considers it to be an internal report and executes a predetermined internal report processing.
The internal reporting process can be implemented in the same way as existing internal reporting systems. For example, the server system 1100 considers the received internal report 50 as primary reporting information and stores it. It then searches the internal report 50 for information that should be related to the whistleblower or non-disclosable information (information that the whistleblower can access but should not be leaked to the outside; for example, personal information or confidential information), anonymizes the relevant information, and creates and stores an internal reporting notification 56.

The server system 1100 then sends the created internal whistleblowing notification 56 to the relevant department or person in charge. Specifically, the server system 1100 has pre-stored internal whistleblowing contact information 54 for the department or person in charge of handling internal whistleblowing related to the internal whistleblowing options 52, and sends the internal whistleblowing contact information 54 corresponding to the selected internal whistleblowing option (the result of the internal whistleblowing option selection) included in the internal whistleblowing notification 50 that originated from the internal whistleblowing notification 56 to the employee terminal 1500. The internal whistleblowing notification 56 corresponds to the internal whistleblowing option display 42 shown on the internal whistleblowing reception screen W6.

Furthermore, a system can be implemented, similar to the conventional internal reporting system, that allows the whistleblower to review the content of the response entered by the department or person in charge who received the internal reporting notification 56. In actual operation, the issue related to the internal reporting can be processed and resolved through several rounds of exchanges between the department or person in charge who received the internal reporting notification 56 and the whistleblower.

By conducting ESG-related surveys and providing employees with opportunities to report ESG-related issues internally, companies can improve and enhance their ESG initiatives, thereby increasing the overall value of their ESG operations.

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the output of the survey results and the evaluation results based on those results.
The server system 1100 is responsible for outputting the aggregated results of the questionnaire and the evaluation results based on the aggregated results, and stores company registration data 540 for each company and questionnaire aggregation data 620 for each questionnaire conducted.

The company registration data 540 stores various data related to companies that have applied to use the support system 1000. Specifically, the company registration data 540 includes the company name 541 and inter-company relationship registration data 543. Here, "relationship" can appropriately include capital relationships, transaction relationships such as purchase/delivery of common goods or services, contractual relationships such as advertising agency agreements and product sales agreements, etc. Specifically, for example, inter-company relationship registration data 543 based on transaction relationships such as purchase/delivery would include the type of business, a list of purchasing company names, and a list of receiving company names.

The survey summary data 620 is created after all distributed questionnaires related to a single survey have been administered and all the response results obtained from the distributed questionnaires have been aggregated.

The survey summary data 620 includes, for example, the company name 621, the implementation period 622, the survey ID 623 indicating the type of survey conducted, the ESG classification item evaluation 624 (in the example in Figure 9, evaluations for classification items below the ESG major classification 624a and ESG major classification evaluation 624b), and the overall ESG evaluation 625, which is an evaluation that combines all ESG classification item evaluations. Note that the items included in the survey summary data 620 are not limited to the example in Figure 9 and can be set as appropriate.

The implementation period 622 indicates the period during which one survey that served as the deadline for the aggregation was conducted. For example, if one survey is conducted using the fiscal year of the company as the unit, the fiscal year can be designated as the implementation period 622.
The lowest level of the ESG classification, item-specific evaluation 624, further includes departmental evaluations 626 for that classification item.

The survey results are displayed on the employee terminal 1500 when the system detects that a predetermined instruction to display the results has been given on that terminal. It is preferable that the display function for the results be accessible only to certain employee terminals 1500, such as those of managers.

The aggregated results can be displayed in three formats: a screen showing only the company's data (W10), a comparison screen (W12), and an evaluation map screen (W14). The server system 1100 switches between these display formats according to a predetermined switching operation. The content displayed on each screen can be separately output as data for external publication, etc.

Figure 10 shows an example of the display on our company's standalone screen W10.
The company-specific screen W10 displays an ESG evaluation of the company (meaning the company to which the user with the employee terminal 1500 displaying this screen belongs) based on the aggregated results of a survey. The survey results are determined by substituting pre-set scores for each answer choice into a given aggregation function. The ESG evaluation is based on the aggregated scores for the questions corresponding to each ESG category.

The company's standalone screen W10 has implementation-specific pages 60, which are prepared for each survey implementation. For example, if a survey is conducted once a year and several years have passed, the number of implementation-specific pages 60 corresponding to the number of years can be switched and displayed. The company's standalone screen W10 is suitable for understanding the level of ESG awareness among employees within the company. In the example in Figure 10, since three years have passed in a case where a survey is conducted once a year, three implementation-specific pages 60 can be switched and displayed. In reality, there may be fewer or more pages. The implementation-specific pages 60 can be switched by flipping the touch panel 1506.

The implementation-specific page 60 includes an overall ESG evaluation display 61, an ESG major category evaluation display 62, and a classification item-specific page 63.

The ESG overall evaluation display 61 shows the results of a comprehensive evaluation of all ESG factors based on predetermined criteria, derived from all responses to all questions. The way the evaluation results are displayed can be configured as appropriate. In the example in Figure 10, the evaluation results are displayed using evaluation marks 7 (7a, 7b, ...) and percentages. The percentage is set to 100% when the most desirable answer option is selected for all responses. The evaluation marks 7 (7a, 7b, ...) visually represent one of four levels determined based on the percentage: "Healthy (check symbol)," "Somewhat Healthy (△)," "Unhealthy (×)," or "Unknown (?)." The number of evaluation levels and the evaluation criteria can be configured as appropriate.

The ESG major category evaluation display 62 shows the evaluation result determined based on the scores aggregated for each major ESG category. In the example in Figure 10, it is shown using a bar graph and percentage display, but other display formats are also acceptable for the evaluation result.

Page 63, categorized by classification item, displays the evaluation results for each major ESG category. In the example in Figure 10, Page 63 is displayed for each major ESG category, and the displayed page can be switched by flipping the screen.

The classification page 63 includes a major classification display 64 indicating the main classification being displayed, an item-specific evaluation display 65, and a workplace-specific results display 66.

The item-specific evaluation display 65 shows the evaluation results for each classification item below the main category. In the example in Figure 10, it is represented as a radar chart for each item, but other display formats are also acceptable for the evaluation results. The radar chart displays the target values set by the company in advance, as well as the aggregated results, allowing for a visual understanding of the degree of achievement in each area.

The workplace-specific results display 66 shows evaluation results for each classification item below the main category, broken down by workplace. The displayed classification items can be switched by flipping the display. In the example in Figure 10, the results are shown as a bar graph, but other display formats are also acceptable for the evaluation results.

Figure 11 shows an example of the display of the comparison screen W12.
The comparison screen W12 displays a comparison of ESG evaluations between one's own company and other companies based on the results of the same questionnaire. The comparison screen W12 includes a page 70 for each questionnaire implementation, an overall evaluation comparison display 71, an ESG major category evaluation comparison display 73, and a page 75 for comparison displays by category item.

The implementation-specific pages 70 are prepared for each survey implementation. For example, in a case where a survey is conducted once a year, if multiple years have passed, the corresponding number of implementation-specific pages 70 will be displayed. The displayed pages of the implementation-specific pages 70 can be switched by flipping the touch panel 1506.

The overall evaluation comparison display 71 compares and displays a company's overall ESG evaluation against multiple companies using the support system 1000. Figure 11 shows examples of ranking as a relative comparison and percentage display of evaluation results as an absolute comparison; however, other methods of representing relative evaluation are also acceptable. The relative comparison may include all companies that conducted the same survey, or it may include companies selected by setting filtering conditions using the filtering operation icon 72.

The ESG Major Category Evaluation Comparison Display 73 shows the relative evaluation for each major ESG category. In the example in Figure 11, a radar chart of the three ESG items is used, showing the average value and the company's own value in percentage format; however, other display formats are also acceptable.

Page 75, which displays comparisons by classification category, is provided for each major ESG category and compares and displays evaluations for the classification items belonging to that major category. The display page can be flipped to switch between the major categories being shown. In the example in Figure 11, the average value and company values are shown as percentages in a radar chart for the classification items belonging to the displayed major category, but other display formats are also acceptable.

Figure 12 shows an example of the display on the evaluation map screen W14.
The evaluation map screen W14 treats your own company and other related companies as a single corporate group and displays the evaluation results for that corporate group in a map-like list. The relationships are determined based on the inter-company relationship registration data 543 in the corporate registration data 540.

The evaluation map screen W14 has implementation-specific pages 80, which are prepared for each survey implementation. For example, in the case of conducting a survey once a year, if multiple years have passed, the corresponding number of implementation-specific pages 80 will be displayed. The display of the implementation-specific pages 80 can be switched by flipping the touch panel 1506.

Page 80, organized by implementation, contains business-specific corporate group evaluation maps 82 (82a, 82b, ...). These business-specific corporate group evaluation maps 82 are prepared for each company's business and display the company names and evaluation marks 7 of the company and related companies involved in that business, along with a relationship diagram (e.g., a hierarchical diagram, tree diagram, sociogram, etc.).

The evaluation map screen W14 allows you to see the ESG awareness level of each company belonging to your corporate group. This is useful for appealing to investors with the overall ESG value, including not only your own company but also related companies.

Next, the functional configuration of the support system 1000 will be described.
Figure 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100.
The server system 1100 includes an operation input unit 100s, a server processing unit 200s, an audio output unit 390s, an image display unit 392s, a communication unit 394s, and a server storage unit 500s.

The operation input unit 100s is a means for inputting various operations for managing the server system 1100. This includes the keyboard and touch panel for the server system 1100.

The server processing unit 200s is implemented using electronic components such as a processor (CPU, GPU, ASIC, FPGA, etc.) and IC memory, and controls data input and output with each functional unit, including the operation input unit 100s and the server storage unit 500s. It then performs various calculations based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100s, data received from employee terminals 1500, etc., to comprehensively control the operation of the server system 1100.

The server processing unit 200s includes a corporate registration management unit 202, a survey implementation control unit 210, a feedback reception control unit 214, a feedback notification control unit 216, an internal report reception control unit 218, an internal report notification control unit 220, a survey aggregation unit 222, a results display control unit 224, a data storage control unit 226, a timing unit 280s, a sound generation unit 290s, an image generation unit 292s, and a communication control unit 294s. Of course, other functional units can be included as appropriate.

The Corporate Registration Management Department 202 controls the registration and management of various data related to companies that have entered into a usage agreement for the support system 1000.

The survey implementation control unit 210 controls the implementation of a survey, where each question is associated with an ESG classification item, to each employee of the company that has a usage agreement, via the employee terminal 1500. This includes display control and input reception control related to the response screen W2 (see Figure 4).

The survey implementation control unit 210 then controls the system to administer the same survey, containing the same questions, to the same employee at a given time interval. Specifically, it controls the system to repeatedly administer all the questions from one survey to each employee at a given time interval (for example, every year, every few years). More specifically, it controls the system to divide the questions from one survey and distribute the survey at different times (see Figure 3).

Furthermore, the questionnaire implementation control unit 210 includes an evaluation map creation control unit 212.
The evaluation map creation control unit 212 controls the creation of a predetermined corporate group evaluation map that shows the ESG major category evaluation or ESG overall evaluation for each company, along with a diagram of the relationships between the companies, based on the setting of relationships between companies, for example, a questionnaire conducted on multiple companies that make up one corporate group related to a common product or service.

The feedback reception control unit 214 controls the reception of feedback from the employee terminal 1500, including the selection of feedback options associated with each ESG classification item, and questions or opinions regarding the selected feedback options. This includes display control and input reception control related to the question/opinion submission screen W4 (see Figure 5).

The feedback notification control unit 216 controls the notification of the feedback to the contact person for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected feedback option received by the feedback reception control unit 214, from among the contact persons of the company associated with each ESG classification item (see Figure 6).

The internal whistleblowing reception control unit 218 controls the reception of internal whistleblowing reports from employee terminals 1500, including the selection of internal whistleblowing options associated with each ESG classification item, and the content of the report related to the selected internal whistleblowing option (the option selected by the whistleblower from the internal whistleblowing option display 42). This includes display control and operation input reception control related to the internal whistleblowing reception screen W6 (see Figure 7).

The internal whistleblowing notification control unit 220 controls the notification of the internal whistleblowing report received by the internal whistleblowing reception control unit 218 to the internal whistleblowing contact corresponding to the selected internal whistleblowing option, from among the internal whistleblowing contacts of the company associated with each ESG classification item. This also includes the creation and data storage of the internal whistleblowing notification 56 (see Figure 8).

The survey tabulation unit 222 compiles the responses to each employee's single survey conducted during the same period by the survey implementation control unit 210, as the results of an ESG awareness survey for each period within the company.
Furthermore, the survey aggregation unit 222 performs a given evaluation process based on the aggregation results. Specifically, it aggregates data for each ESG classification item within each major ESG category and determines the major ESG category evaluation and the overall ESG evaluation for the company.
Furthermore, the survey tabulation unit 222 compiles the data by company and calculates the average of the ESG major category evaluation and the average of the overall ESG evaluation.

The results display control unit 224 controls the display of the survey results and the results of various ESG evaluations based on those results on the employee terminal 1500. This includes the display control of the company-only screen W10, the comparison screen W12, and the evaluation map screen W14 (see Figures 10 to 12).

The data storage control unit 226 controls the storage and management of various data, such as survey response results, feedback, feedback notifications, internal reports, internal report notifications, aggregated results, evaluation results, and evaluation maps, on a company-by-company basis.

The timing unit 280s uses the system clock to perform various timing operations, such as determining the current date and time and the time limit.

The sound generation unit 290s is implemented by executing ICs and software that generate and decode audio data. It generates or decodes audio data such as operation sounds and warning sounds related to the system management of the server system 1100 and game execution. Audio signals related to system management are then output to the sound output unit 390s.

The sound output unit 390s emits an audio signal. This includes speakers (not shown) provided on the touch panel of the server system 1100.

The image generation unit 292s generates images to be displayed on the image display unit 392s and outputs the image signal. This includes some of the functions for system management of the server system 1100 and generating various screens (or data for displaying them on employee terminals 1500).

The image display unit 392s is implemented using a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display, a head-mounted display, or a projector. The touch panel provided in the server system 1100 is an example of this.

The communication control unit 294s performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394s.

The communication unit 394s connects to the network 9 to enable communication. This is achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), wired communication cable jacks, control circuits, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication device 1153 is an example of this.

The server storage unit 500s stores programs and various data necessary to enable the server processing unit 200s to comprehensively control the server system 1100. It also serves as a workspace for the server processing unit 200s, temporarily storing calculation results performed by the server processing unit 200s according to various programs. This function is implemented using, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs, or online storage. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to storage media such as IC memory 1152, storage 1140, and hard disks.

Figure 14 shows an example of programs and data stored in the server storage unit 500s. In this embodiment, the server storage unit 500s stores the server program 501, the distribution client program 503, the survey definition data 510, the company registration data 540, the survey implementation control data 700, the inter-company comparison data 702, the result display control data 704, and the current date and time 900. The server storage unit 500s also stores other programs and data (e.g., timers, counters, various flags, etc.) as appropriate.

The server program 501 is a program that, when read and executed by the server processing unit 200s, enables the functions from the corporate registration management unit 202 to the data storage control unit 226.

The distribution client program 503 is the original client program (application program from the perspective of the employee terminal 1500) provided to the employee terminal 1500.

The survey definition data 510 stores various data related to the survey. For example, as shown in Figure 15, the survey definition data 510 stores a unique survey ID 511 and question definition data 513 prepared for each question. Of course, other data may also be stored as appropriate.

A single question definition data 513 includes a unique question ID 515, permission feedback options 517, a distributed implementation order 519 indicating which distributed implementation round the question will be answered in (in other words, which distributed questionnaire the question is included in), instruction text 521, question text 523, and answer option definition data 525. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

The permitted feedback options 517 refer to the options displayed in the feedback options display 22 on the question/comment submission screen W4 (see Figure 5) related to the question in question.

The answer choice definition data 525 is prepared for each answer choice in the question. Each answer choice definition data 525 stores the following information in association: a unique answer choice ID, the display order in the answer choice display 14 (see Figure 4), the display text in the answer choice display 14 which corresponds to the corresponding graded evaluation text, and the evaluation score.

Figure 16 shows an example of the data structure of the company registration data 540. The company registration data 540 is prepared for each company that has a usage agreement for the support system 1000, and stores various data related to that company.

A single company registration data entry 540 includes a unique company name 541, inter-company relationship registration data 543, employee registration data 547, feedback contact information 560, internal whistleblowing contact information 562, and schedule data 570. Of course, other data may also be included as appropriate.

Employee registration data 547 is created for each employee (including management) of the company and stores various data related to that employee. Each employee registration data 547 stores a unique employee ID (e.g., number or name), workplace ID, and contact information (e.g., email address, telephone number, etc.) associated with it.

The feedback contact information setting data 560 is prepared for each ESG classification item, and stores the feedback options and feedback contact information in association (see Figure 6).

The internal reporting contact information setting data 562 is prepared for each ESG classification item, and stores the internal reporting options and internal reporting contact information in association (see Figure 8).

The schedule data 570 stores the execution period 571 for one run, the repetition interval 573, the number of distributions 574, and the distributed execution schedule data 575.

The "Single Session Period 571" is the period for conducting one survey. The "Repeat Interval 573" is the time interval for repeating one survey. For example, if one survey is repeated annually within a fiscal year, the "Single Session Period 571" is set to the start and end dates of the fiscal year, and the "Repeat Interval 573" is set to one year.

The distribution count 574 indicates the number of times a single questionnaire will be divided and distributed. The distributed implementation schedule data 575 is the schedule data for the planned single questionnaire. Each distributed implementation schedule data 575 stores a list of workplace IDs indicating the workplaces where the distributed questionnaire will be conducted, and the distribution implementation period for each distribution. The distribution implementation period is automatically set to an initial value when the single implementation period 571, the repetition interval 573, and the distribution count 574 are set. However, the company's representative can change the distribution implementation period as needed by performing a predetermined distribution schedule setting operation on the employee terminal 1500.

The survey data 600 stores the questionnaires given to the company and various data generated in connection with the questionnaires.
The survey data 600 stores, for example, questionnaire response data 610, feedback reception data 612, feedback notification data 614, internal whistleblowing reception data 616, internal whistleblowing notification data 618, questionnaire summary data 620, and business-specific corporate group evaluation map data 640, as shown in Figure 17. Of course, other data may also be stored as appropriate.

The survey response data 610 is created each time a distributed survey is administered to employee terminals 1500, and data regarding the results of the distributed surveys is accumulated. For example, one survey response data 610 includes the employee ID identifying the respondent, the survey ID, the order of distribution, the date and time of response, and the response data for each question. The response data for each question is the mapping data between the question ID and the selected answer option ID. By searching the survey response data 610, it is possible to find out which employee has responded to which distributed survey of which survey.

The feedback data 612 is data received from employees in the form of questions and opinions. It is created based on the feedback 30 received from the employee terminal 1500 and stores the input content from the question/opinion submission screen W4 (see Figure 5).

The feedback reception data 612 stores, for example, a unique feedback ID, the reception date and time (the date and time the question/comment was submitted; the date and time the feedback 30 was received), the employee ID, the question ID, the selected feedback options, and the question/comment text data indicating the content of the question/comment.

The feedback notification data 614 is the data of the feedback notification 36 (see Figure 5), and stores a unique notification ID, the notification date and time, the recipient, and a copy of the feedback reception data 612 that originated the notification.

The internal whistleblowing reception data 616 is data indicating the fact that an internal whistleblowing report has been received from an employee. It is created based on the internal whistleblowing report 50 received from the employee terminal 1500 and stores the input content from the internal whistleblowing reception screen W6 (see Figure 7). Specifically, the internal whistleblowing reception data 616 stores a unique internal whistleblowing ID, the reception date and time (the date and time the internal whistleblowing report 50 was received), the employee ID, the question ID, the selected feedback options, and internal whistleblowing content data indicating the content of the internal whistleblowing report.

The internal whistleblowing notification data 618 is the data of the internal whistleblowing notification 56 (see Figure 8), and stores a unique notification ID, notification date and time, recipient, and confidential internal whistleblowing content data. The confidential internal whistleblowing content data is data from the internal whistleblowing reception data 616 that originated the notification, with information about the whistleblower and other information that should not be disclosed concealed.

The survey summary data 620 is created each time all distributed questionnaires related to a single survey are completed. It stores the aggregated results for all responses to all distributed questionnaires related to that survey, as well as data such as evaluation results based on those aggregated results. For example, the survey summary data 620 stores the implementation period, aggregated data by workplace and ESG item, ESG major category evaluation, overall ESG evaluation, etc.

Business-specific corporate group evaluation map data 640 represents the business-specific corporate group evaluation map 82 (see Figure 12).

Returning to Figure 14, the survey implementation control data 700 is created each time the employee terminal 1500 conducts a survey, and stores various data describing the latest progress of the survey.

The inter-firm comparison data 702 is created and updated each time all distributed questionnaires related to a single survey are completed for a given company. It stores various data for comparing companies based on that single survey. For example, the inter-firm comparison data 702 stores the survey period, the average ESG major category evaluation, and the overall ESG evaluation average. Furthermore, the inter-firm comparison data 702 can include average ESG major category evaluations and overall ESG evaluations representing the average data for all companies, as well as average ESG major category evaluations and overall ESG evaluations representing the average data for company groups within a specific industry. Of course, the types and content of data stored are not limited to these and can be set as appropriate depending on the nature of the comparison.

The result display control data 704 is created each time the employee terminal 1500 displays the aggregated results of the questionnaire and the evaluations based on those results, and stores various data related to display control. Specifically, it temporarily stores various control data for displaying the company-only screen W10 (see Figure 10), the comparison screen W12 (see Figure 11), and the evaluation map screen W14 (see Figure 12).

Figure 18 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the employee terminal 1500.
The employee terminal 1500 includes an operation input unit 100, a terminal processing unit 200, an audio output unit 390, an image display unit 392, a communication unit 394, and a terminal storage unit 500.

The operation input unit 100 outputs operation input signals to the terminal processing unit 200 in response to various operation inputs made by the user. This can be achieved, for example, by push switches, joysticks, touchpads, trackballs, accelerometers, gyroscopes, CCD modules, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the touch panel 1506 corresponds to this.

The terminal processing unit 200 is implemented using, for example, a microprocessor such as a CPU or GPU, and electronic components such as IC memory. It controls data input and output between the terminal processing unit 200 and various functional units, including the operation input unit 100 and the terminal storage unit 500. It then executes various calculation processes based on predetermined programs and data, operation input signals from the operation input unit 100, and various data received from the server system 1100, thereby controlling the operation of the employee terminal 1500. In the example shown in Figure 1, the control board 1550 corresponds to this unit.

The terminal processing unit 200 includes a client control unit 260, a timing unit 280, a sound generation unit 290, an image generation unit 292, and a communication control unit 294.

The client control unit 260 performs control as a client in the client-server system. The client control unit 260 includes an operation input information provision unit 261 and a display control unit 262.

The operation input information provision unit 261 generates operation input information in response to the operation input signal received from the operation input unit 100 and performs control to transmit it to the server system 1100.

The display control unit 262 performs various controls to display various screens on the employee terminal 1500 based on various data received from the server system 1100 and operation input signals input from the operation input unit 100.

The timing unit 280 uses the system clock to determine the current date and time, time limits, and other time information.

The sound generation unit 290 is implemented by, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a speech synthesis IC, or an audio codec capable of playing audio files. It generates sound signals for music, sound effects, and various operation sounds, and outputs them to the sound output unit 390.

The sound output unit 390 is implemented by a device that outputs sound (emits sound) based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 290.

The image generation unit 292 generates various images based on the control of the client control unit 260. It then outputs image signals for displaying these images to the image display unit 392. In the example shown in Figure 1, this corresponds to the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and graphics controller mounted on the control board 1550.

The image display unit 392 is implemented by a device that displays images, such as a flat panel display. In the example in Figure 1, this corresponds to the touch panel 1506.

The communication control unit 294 performs data processing related to data communication and enables data exchange with external devices via the communication unit 394.

The communication unit 394 connects to the network 9 to enable communication. This is achieved, for example, by a wireless communication device, modem, TA (terminal adapter), wired communication cable jacks, control circuits, etc. In the example in Figure 1, the communication module 1553 corresponds to this.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores programs and various data necessary for the terminal processing unit 200 to implement a given function. It also serves as a workspace for the terminal processing unit 200, temporarily storing calculation results executed by the terminal processing unit 200 according to various programs, as well as input data received from the operation input unit 100. These functions are implemented using, for example, IC memory such as RAM or ROM, magnetic disks such as hard disks, or optical disks such as CD-ROMs or DVDs. In the example shown in Figure 1, the IC memory 1552 mounted on the control board 1550 corresponds to this. Configurations utilizing online storage are also possible.

The terminal storage unit 500 stores the client program 502 (application program) for causing the terminal processing unit 200 to function as a client control unit 260, and the current date and time 900. Of course, other data can also be stored as needed.

Next, the operation of the support system 1000 will be described.
Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the survey implementation process executed by the server system 1100. It shows the process of conducting a distributed survey targeting employees using a single employee terminal 1500 on which the client program 502 is running, assuming the terminal is logged in with an employee ID (in a communication-enabled state). This process is realized when the server system 1100 executes the server program 501.

The server system 1100 determines whether there are any unanswered distributed questionnaires among the employee terminals 1500 connected to it during the distributed implementation period (step S10).

Specifically, the server system 1100 reads the distributed implementation schedule data 575 for the company whose employee ID is registered in employee registration data 547 (see Figure 16) for the employee logged in via employee terminal 1500. If the current date and time 900 falls within the distributed implementation period specified in the distributed implementation schedule data 575, the system determines, based on the distributed implementation schedule data 575, which distributed survey should be conducted within that period.

The server system 1100 then searches the survey response data 610 (see Figure 17) for survey response data from logged-in employees whose response date and time fall within the corresponding distributed implementation period. If the server system 1100 finds matching survey response data 610, it determines that the logged-in employee has already responded to the distributed surveys that should be conducted and that there are no unanswered surveys. If no matching data is found, it determines that there are unanswered distributed surveys that should be conducted.

If there are any unanswered distributed questionnaires (YES in step S10), the questionnaire definition data 510 (see Figure 15) is read (step S12), and loop A is executed for each question assigned to that distributed questionnaire (steps S20 to S58). In other words, the unanswered distributed questionnaires are processed, and the system accepts submissions of questions and opinions, as well as internal reports, during the questionnaire response process.

In loop A, the server system 1100 displays the response screen W2, presents the questions to be processed in loop A, and accepts responses (step S22). The received responses are saved as survey response data 610 (see Figure 17).

If an operation input is detected to the question/comment operation icon 16 on the response screen W2, the server system 1100 considers that an operation to start posting a question/comment has been performed (YES in step S24), displays the question/comment posting screen W4 (see Figure 5), and accepts the selection of feedback options, the content of the question/comment, and the choice of real name or anonymous (step S26). The accepted content is saved as feedback acceptance data 612 (see Figure 17).

Then, when the server system 1100 detects an operation on the post execution icon 29, it considers that approval for the post execution has been obtained (approval in step S28), and executes the acceptance of feedback 30 in the form of questions and opinions and the execution of feedback notification 36 (step S30; see Figure 6). Specifically, it refers to the feedback contact setting data 560 of the poster's company (see Figure 16) and sends the feedback notification 36 to the feedback contact information 34 corresponding to the selected feedback option for the current feedback 30.

When the server system 1100 detects an operation on the internal reporting operation icon 18 on the response screen W2, it considers that an internal reporting start operation has been performed (YES in step S50), displays the internal reporting reception screen W6 (see Figure 7), and accepts the selection of internal reporting options and input of the reporting content (step S52). The received content is saved as internal reporting reception data 616 (see Figure 17).

Then, when the server system 1100 detects an operation on the notification execution icon 49, it considers that approval for the execution of the internal notification has been obtained (approval in step S54), and sends an internal notification notification 56 to the contact person corresponding to the selected internal notification option (the internal notification option selected in the internal notification option display 42) related to this internal notification (step S56).

Specifically, the system refers to the internal reporting contact information 562 (see Figure 16) of the whistleblower's company and sends an internal reporting notification 56 to the recipient indicated in the internal reporting contact information 54 corresponding to the selected internal reporting option (the internal reporting option selected in the internal reporting option display 42) for this internal reporting case (see Figure 8).

Once Loop A has been executed for all questions assigned to the distributed questionnaire to be administered (step S58), the questionnaire administration process is terminated.

Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the survey data aggregation process.
The server system 1100 executes the survey aggregation process at a given timing. For example, it may start execution once a day at a predetermined time, or it may be executed each time the survey implementation process is completed.

The server system 1100 executes Loop B for each company (steps S80 to S90). In Loop B, it refers to the distributed implementation schedule data 575 and the current date and time 900 of the companies being processed to determine if all distributed questionnaires have been completed (step S82). If the last distributed implementation period has ended, this is determined to be positive (YES in step S82), and the server system 1100 aggregates the questionnaire data based on the questionnaire response data 610 of all related distributed questionnaires (step S84).

Next, the server system 1100 determines various evaluations based on the aggregated results, such as workplace-specific ESG classification item evaluations, ESG major category evaluations, and overall ESG evaluations (step S86). It then updates the business-specific corporate group evaluation map data 640, which includes the company itself as the processing target (step S88), and terminates loop B (step S90).

Once Loop B has been executed for all companies, the server system 1100 will terminate the survey tabulation process.

Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the result display process performed by the server system 1100. This process is executed by the server system 1100 targeting employee terminals 1500 where a summary result display operation has been detected.

In this process, the server system 1100 presents an operation menu (step S100).
Then, if a company-specific display operation is detected (YES in step S102), the server system 1100 starts the company-specific screen W10 (see Figure 10) (step S104). From this point onward, while the company-specific screen W10 is displayed, display change control is also performed in response to display switching operations on the implementation-specific page 60, the classification-specific page 63, and the workplace-specific results display 66.

If a "Comparison Display" operation is detected (YES in step S106), the server system 1100 starts the "Comparison Display" screen W12 (see Figure 11) (step S108). From this point onward, while the "Comparison Display" screen W12 is displayed, display changes are controlled in response to display switching operations on the "Implementation-Specific Page" 70 and the "Classification Item-Specific Comparison Display Page" 75.

If an operation to display the evaluation map is detected (YES in step S110), the server system 1100 starts the evaluation map screen W14 (see Figure 12) (step S112). From this point onward, while the evaluation map screen W14 is displayed, display changes are controlled in response to the display switching operation of the individual implementation pages 80.

When the operation to terminate the display of the predetermined aggregated results is detected (YES in step S114), the server system 1100 terminates the result display process.

In summary, this embodiment provides a technology that enables the integrated and coordinated operation of multiple ESG initiatives within a company, thereby efficiently improving the overall ESG value of the company.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the following, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and components similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted. Components that have the same basic configuration as the first embodiment but differ in some respects are identified by adding a capital letter to the end of their reference numerals.

Figure 22 shows an example of the functional configuration of the server system 1100B in the second embodiment. The functional configuration of the server processing unit 200s of the server system 1100B is basically the same as in the first embodiment, but the server system 1100B does not have the questionnaire implementation control unit 210 and the results display control unit 224.

The server storage unit 500s of the server system 1100B stores the server program 501B, the distribution survey program 505, the questionnaire definition data 510, the company registration data 540, and the current date and time 900. The distribution survey program 505 is the original application program distributed and provided to the employee terminal 1500B in this embodiment.

Compared to the first embodiment, the survey implementation control data 700 and the result display control data 704 are omitted from the server storage unit 500s.

Figure 23 shows an example of the functional configuration of the employee terminal 1500B in the second embodiment.
The terminal processing unit 200 of the employee terminal 1500B includes a questionnaire implementation control unit 210B, which corresponds to the questionnaire implementation control unit 210 of the first embodiment, and a result display control unit 224B, which corresponds to the result display control unit 224 of the first embodiment.

The terminal memory unit 500 of the employee terminal 1500B stores the survey program 504B, which was downloaded from the distribution survey program 505; the questionnaire definition data 510B, which was obtained from the server system 1100B; the questionnaire implementation control data 700; the result display control data 704; and the current date and time 900.

The operation of the support system 1000 in this embodiment is basically the same as that of the support system 1000 in the first embodiment. However, in this embodiment, the employee terminal 1500B has a questionnaire implementation control unit 210B, and the employee terminal 1500B is the main execution entity for each process in the flowchart of Figure 19. Therefore, by replacing the main execution entity in the flowchart of Figure 19 with the employee terminal 1500B, the operation of the questionnaire implementation in this embodiment is obtained. Furthermore, if the employee terminal 1500B needs to refer to the company registration data 540 depending on the content of the process, the employee terminal 1500B requests the server system 1100B to provide the data, and the server system 1100B responds to this request.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the employee terminal 1500B has a result display control unit 224B, and the employee terminal 1500B is the execution entity that executes each process in the flowchart of Figure 22. Therefore, by replacing the execution entity in the flowchart of Figure 22 with the employee terminal 1500B, the operation of the result display in this embodiment is obtained. If, depending on the content of the process, the employee terminal 1500B needs to refer to the company registration data 540 or the inter-company comparison data 702, the employee terminal 1500B requests the server system 1100B to provide the data, and the server system 1100B responds to this request.

According to this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[Variation]
Although examples of embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the forms to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to the above forms, and components can be added, omitted, or modified as appropriate.

(Variation 1)
For example, while we have described an example where questions, opinions, and internal reporting can be done through the process of responding to a survey, it is also possible to omit either the submission of questions, opinions, or internal reporting. In addition to the above embodiment, the submission of questions, opinions, and internal reporting may also be performed independently without being linked to the survey by entering a predetermined start operation on the employee terminal 1500.

(Variation 2)
Furthermore, the display format for the aggregated survey results and the evaluation results based on those results is not limited to the examples above and can be set as appropriate. For example, as a comparative display of the survey implementation period for company-specific displays, the display of the overall ESG evaluation and ESG major category evaluation by survey implementation period 90 as shown in Figure 24, and the display of the survey implementation period by ESG classification item 91 as shown in Figure 25, may be displayed.

4…Question 6…ESG Major Category 7…Evaluation Mark 8…ESG Classification Item 14…Answer Choice Display 16…Question/Opinion Operation Icon 18…Internal Reporting Operation Icon 22…Feedback Choice Display 32…Feedback Choice 34…Contact Information for Feedback 36…Feedback Notification 42…Internal Reporting Choice Display 50…Internal Reporting 52…Internal Reporting Choice 54…Contact Information for Internal Reporting 56…Internal Reporting Notification 61…ESG Overall Evaluation Display 62…ESG Major Category Evaluation Display 71…Overall Evaluation Comparison Display 73…ESG Major Category Evaluation Comparison Display 82…Business-Specific Corporate Group Evaluation Map 200s…Server Processing Unit 202…Corporate Registration Management Unit 210…Survey Implementation Control Unit 212…Evaluation Map Creation Control Unit 214…Feedback Reception Control Unit 216…Feedback Notification Control Unit 218…Internal Reporting Reception Control Unit 220…Internal Reporting Notification Control Unit 222…Survey Aggregation Unit 224...Result display control unit 500s...Server storage unit 501...Server program 510...Questionnaire definition data 513...Question definition data 519...Distributed implementation order 523...Question text 525...Answer choice definition data 540...Company registration data 543...Inter-company relationship registration data 547...Employee registration data 560...Contact information setting data for feedback 562...Contact information setting data for internal reporting 570...Schedule data 575...Distributed implementation schedule data 610...Questionnaire response data 612...Feedback reception data 614...Feedback notification data 616...Internal reporting reception data 618...Internal reporting notification data 620...Questionnaire aggregation data 624...ESG classification item evaluation 624b...ESG major category evaluation 625...ESG overall evaluation 640...Business-specific company group evaluation map data 700...Questionnaire implementation control data 704...Result display control data 1000...Support system 1100...Server system 1500...Employee terminal W2...Answer screen W4...Question/opinion submission screen W6...Internal whistleblowing reception screen W10...Company-only screen W12...Comparison screen W14...Evaluation map screen

Claims (8)

A computer system that conducts awareness surveys and provides support for raising awareness about ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) within companies.
A survey implementation control means that controls the administration of a survey to each employee of the aforementioned company, in which each question is associated with an ESG classification item, via employee terminals.
A feedback reception control means that controls the reception of feedback from the employee terminal, including the selection of a feedback option associated with each ESG classification item, and questions or opinions regarding the selected feedback option.
A feedback notification control means controls the notification of the feedback to the contact person for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected feedback option of the feedback received by the feedback reception control means, among the contact persons of the company in charge associated with each ESG classification item.
Equipped with,
The aforementioned survey implementation control means controls the implementation of a survey containing the same questions for the same employee at a given time interval.
Computer system. An internal reporting reception control means that controls the reception of an internal report from the employee terminal, including the selection of an internal reporting option associated with each ESG classification item, and the content of the report related to the selected internal reporting option.
An internal reporting notification control means controls the notification of an internal reporting to the internal reporting contact for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected internal reporting option of the internal reporting received by the internal reporting reception control means, among the internal reporting contacts of the company associated with each of the ESG classification items.
The computer system according to claim 1, further comprising: The aforementioned survey implementation control means repeatedly administers all questions from one survey to each employee at given intervals.
As a result of the ESG awareness survey results for each period at the aforementioned company, a survey aggregation means aggregates the responses of each employee to the aforementioned single survey conducted during the same period by the survey implementation control means.
The computer system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The aforementioned questionnaire implementation control means divides the questions of one questionnaire and conducts the questionnaire at different times.
The computer system according to claim 3. The aforementioned ESG classification items consist of items for each major ESG category.
The aforementioned questionnaire aggregation means performs the aggregation for each of the aforementioned ESG classification items and determines the ESG major category evaluation and the overall ESG evaluation for the company.
The computer system according to claim 3 or 4. The aforementioned survey implementation control means conducts surveys with multiple companies,
The aforementioned survey aggregation means performs the aggregation for each company and calculates the average of the ESG major category evaluation and the average of the ESG overall evaluation.
The computer system according to claim 5. The aforementioned survey implementation control means conducts a survey among multiple companies that constitute a single corporate group related to a common product or service.
The aforementioned questionnaire aggregation means performs the aggregation for each company constituting the corporate group and controls the creation of a predetermined corporate group evaluation map that shows the ESG major category evaluation or the ESG overall evaluation for each company together with relationship charts between the companies.
The computer system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising: A method for conducting awareness surveys and providing awareness support regarding corporate ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) using a computer system,
The system controls the administration of a questionnaire, in which each question is associated with an ESG classification item, to each employee of the aforementioned company via employee terminals.
The system controls the employee terminal to receive feedback, including the selection of a feedback option associated with each ESG classification item, and questions or comments regarding the selected feedback option.
Control is performed to notify the contact person for the ESG classification item corresponding to the selected feedback option of the received feedback, among the contact persons of the company in charge associated with each ESG classification item.
Includes,
Controlling the implementation of the aforementioned questionnaire includes controlling the implementation of the same questionnaire, which includes the same questions, for the same employee at a given time interval.
Methods for conducting awareness surveys and providing educational support.