Political corporate responsibility? - Schmalenbach Society as guest at Scholz & Friends

On 9 July 2024, Scholz & Friends welcomed the Schmalenbach-Gesellschaft für Betriebswirtschaft e.V. to its Berlin office. The visit was characterised by a lively and in-depth discussion about Corporate Political Responsibility (CPR).

Stefan Wegner, S&F Partner and Managing Director of Scholz & Friends Agenda, opened the event with an exciting impulse: "Why advertising today no longer wants to be advertising - about the transformation of brand communication in times of purpose, attitude and responsibility". Wegner shed light on the development from the simple advertising formulas of the 1980s to modern brand strategies that respond to social and media changes. One highlight was the presentation of successful projects such as the tampon book by The Female Company, in which Scholz & Friends played a key role.

Dr Norbert Taubken, S&F Partner and Managing Director of Scholz & Friends Reputation, rounded off the discussion by presenting the "Map of Action". This was developed in collaboration with the Institute for Business Ethics, St. Gallen (IWE-HSG) and offers companies 17 specific options for action in six areas for the active promotion of democratic values. 

Dr Benedikt D. S. Kapteina, postdoc at IHI and co-organiser of the event, emphasised: "The exchange on corporate political responsibility is crucial to understanding how companies can actively contribute to strengthening democratic values. In times of growing social and political challenges, it is essential that companies assume not only economic but also social responsibility. The discussions in the working group have shown how companies can make a positive contribution to democracy through targeted measures and clear values. We would like to thank all participants for the exciting conversations and stimulating discussions and look forward to further productive dialogue."

Founded in 2022 by Prof. Dr Markus Scholz (Technische Universität Dresden, Internationales Hochschulinstitut Zittau), the Working Group on Business Ethics (AKWE) focuses on corporate political responsibility. The AKWE aims to develop concrete proposals for solutions and to draw up practical statements on current business ethics issues without representing political or ideological views, in particular not party political issues.