Brussels, 19/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - A majority of company bosses think that "social responsibility" is essential for the good reputation of their company, according to a survey carried out in Europe and the USA by the Hill & Knowlton company. According to this survey of 800 company directors this summer, 94% of Germans and 74% of Dutch think that good corporate governance is essential for their companies. Social initiatives are important for the good reputation of the company according to 52% of company bosses in Italy, 32% in the United Kingdom and 23% in the USA.
At the very moment that the USA is carrying out a huge reform for inspecting companies following the Enron and Worldcom affairs, the poll indicates that 42% of US company directors consider unethical behaviour as a real "threat". They are far fewer in Europe where this figure is highest in Belgium (39%) and the United Kingdom (24%) than in other Member States. Belgian and British bosses are more sensitive about press criticism than other countries. Nevertheless, lessons drawn from the most recent scandals have, it would appear, not yet borne fruit, given that the majority of company bosses see communication as among the most important qualities for determining a good company image (90% in the Netherlands, 87% in Germany, 78% in Belgium and the United Kingdom). "Human values" are considered important by 77% of all Germans interviewed, 75% of Belgians, 66% of British, 64% of Dutch and 62% of Italians. 83% of German bosses Relations with employees are a key in future "social responsibility" according to 83% of German bosses and 82% of British bosses.
The director of the high level group carrying out the survey is Jaap Winter and the company is expected to present a report in October based on the results from the recommendations on reforms on corporate responsibility and "good governance". The European Commission should also be presenting a new proposal on appeals for tenders, at the end of October (see EUROPE 16/17 September p 3).