Press Centre

Dubinnikov Discusses the Social Responsibility of Business with the Russian Junior 8 Summit Delegation

On May 9 I. V. Dubinnikov, the Administrative Director of the company “Power Machines,” met with the Russian delegation on the Victory Day holiday and discussed how business and society can work together.

All of the teens very actively participated in discussing this very interesting topic. In the course of the conversation there were questions, examples, plans, ideas, amazement, delight, sadness, confusion, and understanding.

Having worked through the vocabulary, considered the experience of European and American businesses, and discussed several Russian examples concerning the topic, the youngsters came to the conclusion that corporative social responsibility is, in essence, in the hands of specific people who make company decisions. The degree of social responsibility the company demonstrates and how it is expressed, depends on the conscience, wishes, and creativity of these individuals. One can’t force a business to act responsibly, but it’s quite possible to encourage companies to act in this manner. If one very large company sets an example of social responsibility, then others in the Russian market could likely follow suit.

Another important issue identified during the meeting was the preparedness of society to support business and not consider it to be the “enemy,” always eager for profits. The group decided to coin the phrase “business-responsibility of society” as an addendum to the term “social responsibility of business.” Those participating in the discussion commented, “Business consists of people and society is made up of people. Everyone belongs to the same society. We are talking about plain human understanding.”

The group continued their discussion with Mr. Dubinnikov throughout their evening meal. He never tired of giving them examples, generating ideas, and spreading his creative energy to the group members. As he left, he wished the young Russian delegation success at the Junior 8 Summit. The teens gave him a great round of applause.