Management approach to corporate citizenship
A global company such as the KION Group has roots in many locations worldwide. Indeed, the requirements and frameworks relating to the Company’s activities differ just as greatly as the KION Group’s numerous and varied locations. This is why it pursues a decentralised approach to implementing its activities, as decisions are best taken on specific local projects where they will actually be implemented.
The Company’s community engagement activities are focused in their own action field within the KION Group’s sustainability strategy. The KION Group Donations Policy provides clear guidelines and, above all, the necessary transparency regarding the Company’s various individual measures around the world. This lays the basis for bundling and structuring activities as and when necessary to enable the Company to leverage synergies across a Group-wide network.
The Donations Policy establishes the principles and priorities for its community engagement and sets out the responsibilities and decision-making processes. The policy covers both financial contributions and voluntary donations of time for charitable purposes. This allows it to take quick and pragmatic decisions at a local level on its potential involvement, and provide rapid assistance – such as in the event of natural disasters.
The regulations set out in the KION Group Code of Compliance also provide legal certainty for executives at a local level. The Code makes a clear distinction between donations and sponsorship measures.
Donations are voluntary monetary or in-kind contributions to non-profit organisations that are not affiliated with the KION Group; these donations are made without expecting anything in return. By contrast, sponsorship measures always involve a reciprocal service, such as in the form of advertising or marketing opportunities. They are therefore part of the marketing mix, and not part of its Company’s sustainability activities.
In accordance with its Donations Policy and Code of Compliance, the KION Group can make monetary and in-kind contributions as well as donate its time for social and humanitarian purposes, science and education, art and culture, and environmental-protection and resource-conservation projects. It must always be transparent and documented who the recipient of the donation is, and for what purpose it is to be used.
The KION Group does not donate to individuals or profit-driven organisations. Political donations are also barred, as are donations to private accounts and those that could damage its Company’s reputation. Furthermore, there must be no conflict between the beneficiary’s objectives and the KION Group’s corporate principles.