CSR

The term corporate social responsibility (CSR) obviously refers to companies. However, the further development of the concept in recent years and decades has led to it being used in a much broader context today - it now not only relates to the social responsibility of companies, but also to other organisations and politics.

"Companies and organisations draw attention to themselves through a wide range of activities in this field, whereby improving their image is usually the main objective. CSR is, however, more than just a marketing instrument or selective engagement on individual issues." (Rudolf Hundstorfer, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, 2011)

In the view of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, the concept refers to a voluntary commitment on the part of organisations and companies to assume social responsibility and to take measures which go beyond the minimum legal requirements and are intended to promote social, ecological and economic sustainability.

"Social responsibility needs to be put into practice holistically in all dimensions of sustainability." (Rudolf Hundstorfer, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, 2011)

When understood as a holistic and long-term strategy, CSR is only successful when the management of an organisation or company integrates it into its corporate or organisational culture, when it extends to the core business and the entire value added chain and therefore also - for example - includes subcontractors and suppliers. The relevant stakeholders such as employees and their representatives (e.g. the works council), the social partners, NGOs, consumers, investors, suppliers or other affected parties have a fundamental role both in planning and design as well as the implementation and monitoring of CSR measures. The active involvement of internal and external stakeholders in the form of a continuous and intensive dialogue is an essential element of CSR and cannot be omitted. In the interests of transparency, information on CSR activities from companies and organisations need to be understandable as well as sincere and easily accessible.

"Social problems can only be mastered if both politics and the business world make their contribution." (Rudolf Hundstorfer, Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection, 2011)

CSR in not limited to companies - it is relevant to organisations in a broader sense and thus also to regional authorities and public bodies such as the Ministry of Social Affairs. Public entities in particular should play a pioneering role with regard to social responsibility. Alongside membership and active participation in associations and committees which are relevant to CSR, the Ministry therefore also supports many CSR projects which serve to further develop, disseminate and implement the concept of CSR. It implements CSR projects within the Ministry which are primarily designed to further extend its pioneering role with regard to the improvement of working conditions and the development of the abilities of Ministry staff.