Social responsibility is compatible with profit maximisation even in times of economic crises. This important message was recently underlined in an impressive feature in a German newspaper about the car manufacturer Volkswagen.

Volkswagen is a best practise example for a successful cooperation between workshops and the local industry. For years, workshops have produced different car components such as sealing tapes, screws, washers or metal clamps. After production and the quality control procedure, they are delivered just in time to Volkswagen. Workshops employees perform meaningful work and earn their own income. This makes them proud and it makes them happy. They experience that their work is needed.

Despite the fact that these components might be produced elsewhere cheaper, Volkswagen remains committed to its social responsibility. Bernd Osterloh, the worker’s council chairman of VW, is happy about this example of integration: "Economy and job creation are equally important business objectives. This requires mutual respect.”