The Manifesto - 中欧社会论坛 - China Europa Forum

The Manifesto

An invitation to debate over the Responsible European Management model

Authors: Eurocadres

Date: 2005

URL: www.eurocadres.org/fr/domaines_d_action/management_europeen_responsable

In the present globalisation context, the impact of large organisations and financial markets on our planet is constantly gaining importance. The Lisbon Strategy is a pledge whose goal is to allow economical, social and environmental renewal within the European Union. Within this strategy, a stronger, more competitive, more dynamic economy is to allow the creation of jobs, as well as social and environmental policies ensuring sustainable development and social integration. Therefore, unprecedented challenges lie ahead of governments, unions, companies and managers.

In July 2001, the European Commission published a Green Book on “corporate social responsibility” (CSR). In response to that document, Eurocadres phrased four demands in order to make CSR an instrument of progress and responsible management: credibility, integration into management processes, participation of all concerned parties, all of which within a European framework.

In addition, we would like to proclaim clearly that the ambitions of CSR are not to undermine the juridical or contractual frameworks and should neither replace contractual agreements nor exceed them. For this reason, the CSR projects and initiatives should not:

* contain elements contradicting juridical exigences or international agreements;

* question the necessity of union delegates / corporate committees;

* replace corporate coparticipation and agreements of companies / collective conventions;

* hamper the continuation of the development of national and international regulations in the field of environment and social issues.

Current discussions within the “multistakeholder” forum about corporate social responsibility clearly prove that the presence of Eurocadres is necessary and precious: not only because the perspective we offer on management approaches is not dictated by companies, but also because we highlight the necessity of a European, base management model and also because we introduce the point of view of managers.

The values recognised by the European union in its Charter of Fundamental Rights are the basis of corporate management in Europe. Management processes in Europe are based on a variety of cultures anchored in a common European enterprise, including recognition of social partners, the importance of social protection and the role of public services. This European social and management model establishes a bond between companies and society as a whole. This European identity is essential for our social-economic model. It can be found in different forums (such as, for instance, the “multistakeholder” forum about corporate social responsibility in innovating steps, social dialogue, etc.)

Responsible management is founded on the theory and practical application of the European management model, and it addresses private companies as well as public services. Participation of unions, focus on social issues and a strong role played by public authorities are essential elements of this approach.

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