Responsible Business Forum, Poland
Focus on a Partner - December 2007
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| Mirella Panek-Owsiańska |
Every month, CSR Europe introduces one of its national partner organisations through a brief interview. In focus this month: Responsible Business Forum Poland.
On the occasion of the CSR Annual Conference 2007 organised by Responsible Business Forum Poland, CSR Europe presents an insight into the state of affairs of CSR in Poland and an overview of this organisation through the vision of Mirella Panek-Owsiańska, President and Director of our Polish partner organisation.
Could you briefly describe the current state of affairs of CSR in Poland? What are some key trends and challenges?
Currently there are many corporate community involvement activities in Poland. Companies realise that building good relationships is very important for successful business. Therefore, the majority of companies see CSR as a tool for building trust. However, there are only few multinationals that understand their role as important actors in the process of changing social conditions on a grand scale.
Regarding SMEs, recent research shows that 89% of SMEs think that CSR will be more important for them in the future. For the moment, Polish SMEs are trying to improve relations with their closest stakeholders by sponsoring local initiatives and showing that the company is a local citizen.
Unfortunately there still is a lack of understanding between NGOs and business, for instance only 11% of NGOs have constant contact with business. However the number of active NGOs is growing, and this is a good sign for developing the whole concept between the main sectors.
It is important to mention that thanks to the support of the World Bank, UNDP and European Commission there is a growing number of projects, agreements and self-regulation that could raise awareness on CSR among Polish consumers, NGOs, media and companies. For instance, an important media organisation became interested in CSR issues and helped to produce the first CSR manual for managers, prepared by a team of experts from the Responsible Business Forum and published by Forbes.
What are the main CSR issues and themes which FOB is currently working on with its members?
Responsible Business Forum in Poland helps corporate members in improving implemented CSR strategies through seminars, expert consultation, an ABC of responsible business workshops and publications. The Forum (FOB) disseminates the know-how and creates a variety of forums in which managers, government administrations and NGOs can share knowledge and experience.
In addition, Responsible Business Forum monitors and evaluates CSR through an annual conference, an annual report on CSR, and the CSR Index - a self assessment tool and research. The companies also have the opportunity to participate in the Responsible Business League - a project for students from across Poland.
Could you tell us about FOB's annual conference and the message that you want to put forward this year?
The purpose of the "Responsible Business 2007" Conference is to discuss the importance of measuring and reporting on CSR performance and of implementing innovative CSR strategies. This conference will feature the best Polish and European CSR solutions providing the possibility to share knowledge that can help to create and develop programmes and projects of benefit for society. The event aims to be an inspiration for managers who want to effectively and efficiently work according to values and principles, transparent procedures, honest communication and good care of their employees, while - at the same time - building solid, trust-based relations with their clients and partners.
Could you describe your experience as a member of the NPO Network?
Responsible Business Forum joined CSR Europe in 2002. It is beneficial for us to be in contact with more experienced organisations across Europe. For instance, in 2003 many CSR Europe members were invited to our annual conference. Our member companies appreciate access to information about CSR at the European level as well as to the information from around the world, which we translate for them from the newsletter. The network also allows us to attract new companies through their European structures. CSR Europe is definitely an added value for us.
More information
Read more about Responsible Business Forum Poland at www.odpowiedzialnybiznes.pl.
For more information about CSR Europe's national partner network and its activities, contact Jani López on jl@csreurope.org.
