FACE THE CHANGE Explore New Ways and effective, both internally and externally. And it should be noted that engaging for the common good may indeed also have a positive economic impact. I am firmly convinced that social and economic responsibility are not incompatible if they become a natural part of corporate culture. If a company’s social engagement strengthens its reputation and makes it more attractive to customers, investors, and employees, as well as paving the way for new, forward-looking fields of business in an ecologically responsible society, then that is a welcome outcome, albeit not the sole purpose of social engagement. There are occasions when it is difficult to make a distinction between the commercial and social motives behind the decision for or against a particular social project. In such instances, an outsider’s perspective and advice can help. Volkswagen takes this very seriously and has already repeatedly sought advice from the highly competent international experts from politics, science, and research who make up the Sustainability Council. An open attitude towards the opinions voiced by society, whether these are given by the Sustainability Council or the outcome of discussions with politicians and associations, can in fact encourage a company as a whole to act with integrity. A company’s efforts will become even more credible in the eyes of the public if it is able to demonstrate transparency in the application of its principles, both internally and externally, “Young talents have greater freedom to base their choice of company on noneconomic criteria.” and is even prepared to go against the short-term business rationale in specific instances. And getting it right will also help us to succeed in the increasingly competitive recruitment markets. Where their skills are in demand, young talents have greater freedom to base their choice of company on non-economic criteria. For young people with a clear value system and a sense of social responsibility – in other words, who believe they act with integrity – one criterion for their choice of employer will be whether they perceive that company as advocating integrity and whether there is a high correlation between their personal values and those of the company. Unequivocal integrity therefore helps to secure tomorrow’s manpower and business success. More generally, integrity helps a company to preserve its raison d’être, its “citizenship,” without which it could hardly exist in the long run, let alone flourish. We believe that integrity helps to secure the future of a company. Volkswagen AG has recognized this and is acting accordingly. Compliance, culture, integrity – they form the basis for implementing our strategy and are thus the foundation of our corporate success. 81
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