Pharma companies differ on access to medines for developing world

Ten of the twelve big pharma companies have now begun to position access to medicines in the developing world as an explicit part of their corporate social responsibility strategy, rather than as a philanthropic add-on ,according to the latest research from the Ethical Investment Research Service (EIRIS). Most have board level responsibility and offer some preferential pricing to poorer countries (nine of the twelve companies). All engage in research into developing world diseases and collaborate in partnerships with organisations such as the UNAIDS, UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, to improve healthcare globally. ... lees meer

EIB publishes its Statement on Corporate Social Responsibility

The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has the core principles of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at the heart of its strategy, objectives and policies. CSR is sound business practice. It emphasises the importance of achieving a balance between economic growth, social well-being and the protection of the environment, in support of the goal of sustainable development. It underwrites institutional sustainability through competitiveness, the productive use of resources and good governance (including anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures). It involves the financial and business sectors, governments, employees and civil society working together for “our common future”. ... lees meer

Results of a CSR Survey in Europe, North America and Asia

The results of a recent survey comparing corporate social responsibility in various areas of the world — Europe, North America, and Asia — have recently been published in The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, Spring 2005 issue. The 2004 survey results are showcased in a paper by Richard Welford, University of Hong Kong, China, titled “Corporate Social Responsibility in Europe, North America and Asia: 2004 Survey Results.” ... lees meer

Alle bedrijfsinformatie waardevol

Brussel komt met een aanpassing van de verslaggevingsrichtlijn. Deze vereist dat bedrijven opener zijn over werknemers- en milieuthema’s. De aanpassing voorziet in een marktbehoefte De waarde van een onderneming ligt in de toekomst. Uitgaande van gangbare kapitaalkosten ligt ongeveer zestig procent van de waarde van een onderneming in het geld dat over vijf jaar of langer zal worden verdiend. En het is aannemelijk dat dit in de toekomst nog hoger zal zijn. Dit omdat de omvang van internationale kapitaalmarkten sneller groeit dan de economie als geheel, wat de kapitaalkosten omlaag brengt en de waarde van toekomstige kasstromen omhoog. Het voorspellen van kasstromen op deze lange termijn is echter ondoenlijk. Op een dergelijke termijn zijn zaken als werknemersverloop en -ontwikkeling, klanttevredenheid en het inspelen op trendveranderingen in eindmarkten betere indicatoren van hoe het ervoor staat. ... lees meer

Business and Society: The biggest contract

By building social issues into strategy, big business can recast the debate about its role, argues Ian Davis THE great, long-running debate about business’s role in society is currently caught between two contrasting, and tired, ideological positions. On one side of the current debate are those who argue that (to borrow Milton Friedman’s phrase) the “business of business is business”. This belief is most established in Anglo-Saxon economies. On this view, social issues are peripheral to the challenges of corporate management. The sole legitimate purpose of business is to create shareholder value. ... lees meer