Good Corporate Citizenship in India

Good Corporate Citizenship in India
“As a leading producer of clay building materials, we regard the economy as an integral part of society. Its (the economy’s) duty is to serve people and generate benefits for all.”

This statement from the Mission Statement of Wienerberger becomes more pronounced at times when the company is entering markets which exhibit large social disparities and undergo dramatic economic and social changes.

Good Corporate Citizenship for us comprises a set of behaviour patterns that ensure that even more vulnerable actors in the economic system do not see free market economy and competition as a threat, but as a suitable environment for development and growth. Just as personal freedom can only flourish if participants adhere to rules and laws; free markets can only function if the market participants comply with rules – both legally binding rules and voluntary rules adopted in their own, wider and enlightened interest.

Wienerberger has entered the Indian subcontinent in mid-2006. Right from the beginning we have been working on the implementation of our Good Corporate Citizenship Policy that incorporates Economic, Social and Environmental Responsibilities.

This Policy has the aim to establish Wienerberger in India as a Good Citizen. The Policy will support the integration of social and environmental issues into core business activities. At the same time this systematic approach will support Wienerberger´s goals to increase its value by minimizing risks, fostering innovation and gaining access to new market segments. Activities undertaken will focus on prevention and being pro-active.

 

In regards to the direct involvement zone, which is the extended area around the manufacturing site and clay mines, comprising nearby villages and settlements, as well as the nearest town, the approach has to be:

• Respectful for local structures
• Systematic, consistent and transparent
• Guided by professional, experienced and neutral organizations and experts

Being a Good Citizen requires the company to go beyond legal and administrative requirements. The top management of Wienerberger India fully endorses our internal Good Corporate Citizenship Policy, the guiding principles of our group wide Mission Statement and the UN Global Compact signed by Wienerberger in 2003. Our Good Corporate Citizenship Policy is designed with the assistance of experts in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), community development, social work and environment conservation. We work together with expert groups on three different levels:

1. Policy setting and strategic issues

2. Mediation and local implementation

3. Impact assessment and reporting

Once the Good Corporate Citizenship Policy is in place, a continuous management process will be initiated that comprises of four repeating phases:

1. PLAN: Planning of activities

2. DO:Implementation and operation

3. CHECK: Checks (along pre-defined KPI) and corrective action

4. ACT:Management review (and modifications if required)

Our Good Corporate Citizenship policy is:

• Oriented along the needs of the local communities.
• Well-balanced and equally treats the economy, the society and the environment.
• Integrated into strategy and systems (plan, do, check, act).
• Implemented through programs that are managed by professional, neutral and accepted implementation partners.
• Based on the belief that the activities undertaken within the Good Corporate Citizenship framework are not a cost but an investment.
• Oriented along the core business of Wienerberger India.
• Taking a long term view, as we see us as neighbours and members, not guests or outsiders.
• Encouraging our employees to participate in the implementation.
• Designed to be measured; because only what we can measure we can manage.

Our Good Citizen policy aims:

• To systematically integrate into management the commitment for the local community, its employees and the environment.
• To do more than the minimum standards required by laws and regulations.
• at minimizing risks for the company and improve the lives of citizen we interact with.
• To provide safe and healthy work places.
• At convincing partners to adopt similar principles.
• At safeguarding the interests of employees and shareholders.
• At improving the reputation of the company on a long term.
• At increasing innovation through the integration of new processes and thoughts.

Building Value. For a sustainable future.