Society policy
As an economic and society order, over many decades the social market economy stood for prosperity, progress and social balance. Despite numerous achievements – including better living and working conditions, economic growth and prosperity for broad swathes of the population – its acceptance has been eroded in recent times. Although Germany has undoubtedly done well with it as an economic and society order, it is now suffering a crisis of confidence – and with it companies, managers and entrepreneurs.
Many people in Germany no longer trust the social market economy as a means to come to grips with the challenges of a globalised world and demographic change. Discussions on executive pay and benefits, relocations and plant closures intensify the mistrust. In recent days there have also been a number of examples which have helped to shake the image of governing elites. The question arises as to what business itself can do to help win back lost confidence.
Focus on communicating values
Every functioning society needs a strong foundation of values. In order to intensify the debate about the fundamental values of our society order and to draw it further into the public sphere, BDA holds regular dialogue and open exchanges with all opinion-formers with a relevance for society policy in business, academia, political parties, churches and trade unions. BDA works for communication of shared values which underlie our vision of regulatory policy, the social market economy: freedom and responsibility, subsidiarity and solidarity. Teaching and communicating values is primarily a task for family and school.
The significance of the family as the social focus of our society must be better appreciated. Business contributes with a family-friendly personnel policy and through better reconciliation of family and work. Values also play an important role within individual companies. Some – especially large – companies have recognised the positive effects of diversity management. BDA embraces a high regard for diversity, especially in the areas of equality of opportunity and a personnel policy that is sensitive to demographic trends. Many companies have drawn up guidelines which promote an ethical business culture. An overwhelming majority of companies in Germany are engaged with society in many ways. At the same time, management elites must demonstrate these values and act as credible models through an ethic of responsibility. The structural incorporation of ethical models in companies themselves can also encourage responsible and sustainable behaviour.
Relieve the burden on the middle class
A growing majority of the population feels the economic situation in Germany to be unfair. To this is added the fact that the middle class on which society rests is becoming ever smaller. Yet it makes a decisive contribution to cohesion in society and must see its burdens relieved. This is also the case for small and medium-sized enterprises, which are an essential factor for prosperity and employment as the backbone of the German economy. Every individual must be encouraged to participate and enabled to bring in his or her gifts and talents. We need a community which supports the individual and allows him or her to act for his or her own good. Education and qualification are the keys to better career prospects and hence also to strengthening the middle section of society. High-fliers must be promoted and encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and act in a forward-looking manner.
Many people in Germany no longer trust the social market economy as a means to come to grips with the challenges of a globalised world and demographic change. Discussions on executive pay and benefits, relocations and plant closures intensify the mistrust. In recent days there have also been a number of examples which have helped to shake the image of governing elites. The question arises as to what business itself can do to help win back lost confidence.
Focus on communicating values
Every functioning society needs a strong foundation of values. In order to intensify the debate about the fundamental values of our society order and to draw it further into the public sphere, BDA holds regular dialogue and open exchanges with all opinion-formers with a relevance for society policy in business, academia, political parties, churches and trade unions. BDA works for communication of shared values which underlie our vision of regulatory policy, the social market economy: freedom and responsibility, subsidiarity and solidarity. Teaching and communicating values is primarily a task for family and school.
The significance of the family as the social focus of our society must be better appreciated. Business contributes with a family-friendly personnel policy and through better reconciliation of family and work. Values also play an important role within individual companies. Some – especially large – companies have recognised the positive effects of diversity management. BDA embraces a high regard for diversity, especially in the areas of equality of opportunity and a personnel policy that is sensitive to demographic trends. Many companies have drawn up guidelines which promote an ethical business culture. An overwhelming majority of companies in Germany are engaged with society in many ways. At the same time, management elites must demonstrate these values and act as credible models through an ethic of responsibility. The structural incorporation of ethical models in companies themselves can also encourage responsible and sustainable behaviour.
Relieve the burden on the middle class
A growing majority of the population feels the economic situation in Germany to be unfair. To this is added the fact that the middle class on which society rests is becoming ever smaller. Yet it makes a decisive contribution to cohesion in society and must see its burdens relieved. This is also the case for small and medium-sized enterprises, which are an essential factor for prosperity and employment as the backbone of the German economy. Every individual must be encouraged to participate and enabled to bring in his or her gifts and talents. We need a community which supports the individual and allows him or her to act for his or her own good. Education and qualification are the keys to better career prospects and hence also to strengthening the middle section of society. High-fliers must be promoted and encouraged to develop a sense of responsibility and act in a forward-looking manner.
