Exchanging Views on CSR and Corporate Management with BSR's President

Global CSR management from a long-term perspective is more important than ever amid these challenging worldwide economic conditions

Business for Social Responsibility (BSR): Founded in the United States in 1992, BSR is a global network of member companies providing advice and solutions related to CSR.

Since Hitachi was founded, we have pursued CSR according to our corporate credo of contributing to society through business, but initially we did not do much to promote a greater awareness of CSR in society at large. With the progress of globalization in recent years, I feel it has become important to conduct CSR activities not just by reflecting Japanese values but by positively incorporating a more global perspective.

With the advance of globalization, transparency is expected of businesses worldwide, and as the points of connection between business and society change, many companies have begun doing business with CSR at the core of corporate management.

I think CSR is essentially a balance between sustainable development, the environment, and human welfare. While worldwide concern was focused on the environment, the global economy faced an unprecedented crisis beginning in fiscal 2008. This is exactly the time when companies must reconsider CSR from a long-term perspective.

I completely agree. The business environment is becoming more challenging worldwide and the balance of power among countries and regions is changing. At a time like this, we need to look at longer term trends and reconsider what kind of value CSR brings to a company. In this context, CSR can add significant value if integrated fully into business strategy.

At the same time, at Hitachi we continue to have strong concerns about human rights, and we are tackling these issues, but different countries or regions approach this in different ways. I feel that we need a global perspective that goes beyond national borders.

Yes, human rights are becoming a fundamental issue for companies. The challenge ahead is for companies to decide how they should be incorporated into basic CSR concepts, and how they can be applied within business operations globally. A thorough and successful approach to CSR depends on this.

We have to recognize the differences first, and then the new steps that are required will become apparent. On my business trips overseas, I have talked with people working in Hitachi' s local offices. To my surprise, they include people my age who have just started working. I don't think we can solve problems by simply imposing our way of thinking on them unilaterally.

On the other hand, there are many global companies that are interested in making sure that they apply consistent policies and values worldwide.

At Hitachi too, we strive to share common ideals and values globally. Our aim is to be a company whose CSR activities are recognized throughout the world. We hope you will continue to give us various advice and support from a global perspective.

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