The Hellenic Network for Corporate Social Responsibility, Greece
Focus on a Partner - February 2008
In this month's national partner interview, CSR Europe presents an insight to the work of the Hellenic Network for CSR through the eyes of Mr Nikos Analytis, chairman of the HNCSR and board member of TITAN Cement Company.
The Hellenic Network for CSR recently undertook a survey on SMEs and CSR in Greece. Could you present some of the main results?
I think the outcomes of our survey do not differ from similar surveys undertaken in other EU countries. Most Greek SMEs implement practices which target their employees - this is understandable because of the direct relationship between owner and employees. A high percentage raises cost as a deterrent factor, which refers to the view that CSR has to do with big companies. A high percentage also combines CSR with increased turnover and "marketing" and not with other activities related to the environment or society.
What are the next steps following this project?
Our survey showed that eight out of ten SMEs need wider information in order to consolidate and build on their current activities - and to see if they can incorporate them in a more effective way. Based on the above findings, we plan - through a series of activities - to further inform, sensitize and show to Greek SMEs the benefits of embedding CSR in their everyday activities.
In your opinion, what are the current trends in CSR initiatives in Greece?
When our network was established seven years ago, CSR was not widely spread among Greek companies. Since then progress has been made, but I think there is still long way to go, especially with SMEs which are the backbone of the national business world. Therefore, one our main objectives is to provide support to SMEs in adopting CSR in their strategies.
The HNCSR organised the first Greek MarketPlace on CSR in May 2007. What were outcomes of this event and how did it contribute to the exchange and dissemination of CSR best practices in Greece?
The "CSR MarketPlace" concept is very innovative and its first introduction in Athens was very successful. The 400 attendants had the opportunity to listen to well-known local and European speakers and to "buy" ideas of how CSR is implemented in practice through the over 50 solutions presented live at the MarketPlace. The feedback we got was very positive. This created additional expectations for the next event we plan to organise in North Greece in 2008.
The latest European MarketPlace held in Brussels in November 2007 saw a strong presence of Greek companies. As an organisation that promotes CSR, how would you describe your experience at the third European MarketPlace?
Every year the European Marketplace is better and better and has gained general acceptance and recognition. This year's 650 attendants proved it. The expanded time given to the "marketplace" allowed people to visit and understand in more depth the 90 solutions presented live. In addition, the co-building sessions of the Laboratories added a strong flavour of actual participation to those interested in contributing to their development.
More information
Read more about the Hellenic Network for CSR at www.csrhellas.gr.
For more information about CSR Europe's national partner network and its activities, contact Jani López, jl@csreurope.org.
Previous interviews
