Forum Odpowiedzialnego Biznesu

The main task of every enterprise, regardless of size, legal form or country of operation, is to make a profit, but firms are also increasingly aware of important social issues. In Poland, the idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has taken root.

The Responsible Business Forum (FOB) has presented its fifth Corporate Social Responsibility in Poland report on good practices in 2006. The report comprises a selection of 68 of the most interesting practices in places of employment, the market and society. The report sums up CSR activity in firms and organizations around Poland. "The report promotes good CSR practices and inspires firms to develop and take responsible actions addressing their employees, customers, providers and local communities," said FOB President Mirella Panek-Owsiańska.

The report reveals that firms in Poland are increasingly encouraging their staff to take part in addressing social problems together with non-governmental organizations. Codes of ethics and professional improvement programs are being prepared around the country.

"CSR has become a popular public topic. Social partners, consumers, small Polish companies, the media, government administration and many other communities are better understanding all that is connected with CSR and a lack thereof. This is sure to bring about important changes to how we conduct business in Poland," said FOB Deputy President Bolesław Rok.

Mother Superior of the Bread of Life Community, Sister Małgorzata Chmielewska, spoke about the problems of the poorest in society. "Low education, an inability to move about in an ever more complicated world, a lack of self-confidence and a deeply rooted sense of inferiority supported by a consumer-oriented lifestyle: because of all this, a system based on corporate social responsibility gives priority to supporting the socially excluded in their attempts to become autonomous and find roles in social and economic life, rather than to purely economic profit," said Chmielewska. "Civil society is not exclusively reserved for those who do well."

At the meeting, Senior Director of Community Affairs at Microsoft Corporation Akhtar Badshah spoke of the role the firm plays in stimulating activity among local communities. He said that commercial firms had a responsibility towards local communities. CSR programs implemented by Microsoft aim to support people facing "information exclusion" in access to skills and knowledge and thus better professional opportunities. But a significant change for the better cannot be achieved single-handedly. At Microsoft, the key element and method of operation is partnership, with broad coalitions being built with NGOs, educational and public institutions and business partners.

Executive Director of the Caux Round Table in Japan, Hiroshi Ishida, presented the Japanese approach to CSR and the Arcturus project. He said that business rules were based on two fundamental ideas: that of kyosei and human dignity. The Japanese concept kyosei means life and work for the common good, so that working together and wishing others prosperity can coexist with healthy and honest competition. Human dignity refers to respect for each individual who should not be treated as an instrument to serve the aims of others, he said.

The CSR concept reaches across borders and is everyday practice at thousands of firms worldwide.