By now, Serbia is already a part of our associated community – Ambassador Davenport pointed out and called on everybody – companies, state institutions, civil society sector to work together in creating strong and responsible economy.
Noting that companies, especially big ones, always influence the environment and these influences may be either good, or bad, Head of EU Delegation, Michael Davenport pointed out that “EU will not impose any special standards regarding the social responsibility of companies, but it will certainly insist on general principles: obeying the law, respecting ethical, ecological, consumer rights of the citizens… are goals for which society should aim to.
“As Serbia makes progress in the process of accession, Serbian companies will have to adapt to the way businesses are ran across Europe, and social responsibility is a part of this process. This is not a easy job, but by every step taken, it will grow more natural, said Ambassador Davenport, while he took part in the work of the First Intrasectoral Panel on Socially Responsible Business Running and the Role of Business Sector in Society.
The Panel is a part of the Civil Society for the Future project organised by US Agency for International Development, USAID, and which is implemented by Institute for Sustainable Communities.
A much wider picture
Davenport insisted on “a much wider picture” in order to perceive socially responsible business, which is missing sometimes. “It is about increasing confidence between companies and employees, but also between companies and wider community”. Increased confidence is basis for development and growth and creating new jobs. Therefore, it is not only about nice and human gestures, it is also about a strategy that is supposed to give results and provide long term development.
Davenport reminded that principles concerning socially responsible behaviour are sewn into the EU goals that are supposed to be achieved by 2020. Three EU member states – Sweden, Denmark and Finland – occupy the leading position on the list of countries in which socially responsible behaviour is most developed.
“In its corporate responsible policy, European Commission aims to help enterprises to take maximum advantage of good influence an to identify and prevent possible bad influence in their management.” – Davenport noted.
“By now, Serbia is already a part of our associated community – Ambassador Davenport pointed out and called on everybody – companies, state institutions, civil society sector to work together in creating strong and responsible economy”
Peter Wiebler, USAID Office Director, pointed out that socially responsible behaviour is “developmental milestone in the every society”.
Everybody is needed
“Making a connection between socially responsible management and finance and incorporating authorities in this process, should be in focus. In the light of negotiations with EU, these principles can only help Serbia achieving this goal,” Wiebler said.
Neven Marinović, Smart Collective Director, reminded that socially responsible behaviour demands intrasectoral approach and close cooperation, having in mind all the differences it comprises: from labour relations, environment protection, education, voluntary actions, to philanthropy and inclusion.
Srđan Bogosavljevič, Ipsos Strategic Marketing Director, presented the results of the survey on perceiving socially responsible behaviour.“
“Compared to 2005 research, the last years survey shows the improvement of the attitude about who is working in best interest of the society and it shows that consciousness emerges about the socially responsible behaviour. Also, it shows that citizens, besides from having great expectations, have even greater expectations of companies”, said Bogosavljević.
Frederick Kuehn, President of the Business Leaders Forum, announced the results of the poll conducted among companies in Serbia about socially responsible management.
“ RSD 465 million was invested in almost thousand actions concerning socially responsible behaviour, actions in which around five thousands employees participated voluntarily. More than RSD60 million was invested in 28 ecological projects”, said Kuehn.
