Deutsch | English
Social Management Systems – the platform for socially responsible management

Topic - Examples

 

ABB Switzerland — 50 plus policy: recognized as an attractive employer

Elderly employees ase less capable and less flexible – thus goes a widespread prejudice. In fact, they are -  by means of their experience and their knowledge - an important pillar for of successful companies. Facing the demographic change, their value will even increase. With the project «Generation 50 plus» ABB Switzerland sets a mark:  In order to be recognized as an attractive employer furthermore it provides equal opportunities for younger and older employees.

Report in "Die Volkswirtschaft" Nr. 4, 2006: "Gleiche Chancen für Alt und Jung" (pdf, 230 KB)

 

Hewlett Packard — Working conditions at suppliers of the computer industry

Non-governmental-organisations rains the isue of social conditions at suppliers of the computer industry. As one of the companies involved Hewlett Packard has initiated a program aimed at the implementation of social and environmental standards throughout the entire production chain. The company faces various difficulties but first signs of success can be shown.

Report in the daily newspaper "Neue Zürcher Zeitung", 30 March 2007: "Soziale Verantwortung von Computerfirmen" (pdf, 116 KB)

 

Thomann AG, truck garage — flexible working hours as a success factor

The strength of Thomann AG in Schmerikon (CH) lies in the flexibility towards the customers.  The repair service is on duty 365 days a year and 24 hours a day.  This is crucial for the companies success. Because the company depends on the flexibility of its workforce, flexibility is given back to the employees: part time work and flexible working hours are widely used here but not yet common practice in the sector. The challenge is to coordinate the different working hours in order to optimize the capacity utilization.

Report in the programme  "Schweiz Aktuell" of Swiss television SF1, 15 February 2007 (RealPlayer Presentation)

 

Switcher — Disclosure of the product-DNA

The clothing company Switcher assumes responsibility for the whole procurement and production chain of its products. To provide its customers with the opportunity to verify its engagement, Switcher publishes comprehensive information relating to economic, ecological and social aspects of the entire procurement and production chain of its products on the electronic platform "respect-inside" thereby revealing the "DNA" of its products. The platform also informs about relief and infrastructure projects at the production locations financed by Switcher.

Report in the daily newspaper "Handelszeitung", 21 June 2006:"Kreative Unruhe in Switcher-Land"  (pdf, 22 KB, German)

See also: Homepage respect-inside

 

Novartis — Advancement of woman

Novartis is concerned to increase the low quota of woman in its managment. For this purpose it created the programme "Woman Into Industry" (WIN) in collaboration with the University of Basel. Within this programme Novartis provides mentoring to female PhD candidates of the University of Basel providing them with insights into the manufacturing company as well as with the possibility to make contacts and receive hints to facilitate career entry and advancement.

Report in the programme "Rundschau" of Swiss television SF1, 8 February 2006 (RealPlayer Presentation)

See also: online information of Novartis

 

Reno and Microsoft — Respectful advertising with children

The shoe trading company Reno and the software producer Microsoft were awarded the "Child Guardian 07" for their respectful representation of children in advertisements by Terre des hommes and the Swiss advertising association. The criteria for the award rely on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Children should be allowed to express their opinions; they should be represented as full-fledged individuals and not be instrumentalized. Two children were represented in the jury responsible for rating the participants.

Media information 4 May 2007, Terre des hommes: "Reno und Microsoft erhalten den Child Guardian 07" 

 

responsAbility — Social investment

Micro credits are successful means to enable poor people in developing countries tu build-up independent economic existences. The public company responsAbility serves as a platform for social investment by bringing together investors and selected microfinance institutions. At the end of 2005 the "responsAbility Global Microfinance Fund" disposed of 45 million dollars with which 60'000 micro-entrepreneurs could be financed worldwide. Micro-investments provide investors continuous earnings with little volatility and generate a social return in recipient countries.

Report in the daily newspaper "Neue Zürcher Zeitung", 24 January 2006: "Mikrofinanz — Anlageform mit sozialem Antlitz und Nutzen"

See also: Homepage responsAbility

Report in the programme "Rundschau" of Swiss television SF1, 6 December 2006 (RealPlayer Presentation)