Social responsibility of entrepreneurs

Author: (German) Reinhard Mohn
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-12-01
Features: The ability of the Bertelsmann Group to rise as a global conglomerate can be attributed to the simple yet effective management concepts advocated by former CEO Reinhard Mohn:
· The goals of a company should benefit society
· Extensive delegation of responsibility, ensuring all employees identify with and take ownership of corporate actions
· Partnership-based, performance-focused leadership style
Mohn pioneered a "new corporate culture," which, advocated employee identification, initiative, and creativity. Mohn introduced the concept of the "nation-state," emphasizing that only when every citizen actively contributes to society can its immense potential be unleashed.
· The decisive criterion for judging the correctness of a system's goals and methods is whether it aligns with human development.
· For humans, a spiritual goal that provides faith and motivation is just as indispensable as education and a prosperous living standard.
· The highest goal of a company is to contribute to society.
· Investing in the initiative of corporate leadership and employees is an urgent task for contemporary entrepreneurs, a high-return investment.
· We must distinguish between the creative vitality of entrepreneurs and the role of capital. Although capital plays a significant role, it is entrepreneurs who drive progress.
· Global competitive opportunities permeate every field, and the global system competition hides the danger of the "survival of the fittest." Poverty and hopelessness can lead to severe instability. We must not allow global disparities to become insurmountable. We should participate in social progress while supporting the sustainable development of peace worldwide.