Corporate Social Responsibility Across Bertelsmann

The advantages of having a decentralized structure like Bertelsmann are obvious. Individual companies with a greater degree of entrepreneurial freedom can focus on the things they do best: staying fast, flexible, and in touch with their customers’ needs. 

Our Approach to Corporate Responsibility 
Our corporate divisions and companies get involved at the local level and contribute their core competencies where these are most needed. The result is a rich diversity of projects and initiatives.

Bertelsmann Foundation—Inspiring People. Shaping the Future.
In keeping with the longstanding social commitment of its founder, Reinhard Mohn, the Bertelsmann Stiftung is dedicated to serving the common good. Our work is based on the conviction that competition and civic engagement are essential for social progress. 

In accordance with its articles of incorporation, the Bertelsmann Stiftung functions exclusively as a private operating foundation; it carries out its own project work and does not make grants or support third-party projects. The foundation aims to identify social problems and challenges at an early stage and develop exemplary solutions to address them.

Helping People
Bertelsmann’s corporate culture is based on the belief that ownership, economic success, and the nature of the media business bring with them a special responsibility to society. Accordingly, entrepreneurial action and the recognition of social responsibility are integrally linked at Bertelsmann AG. To make a valuable contribution to society is one of the goals anchored in the company’s core values, the “Bertelsmann Essentials."

Bertelsmann's Decentralized Corporate Structure
The majority of Corporate Responsibility initiatives carried out by the profit centers reflects this principle. Today, Bertelsmann AG, its six corporate divisions, and 1,380 companies are involved in a wide range of projects all over the world. Motivated employees are a prerequisite to any company’s success. Therefore, benefits and programs for employees are vital components of corporate responsibility at Bertelsmann—in addition to activities in the fields of ethics and governance, society, and the environment. 

Learn More About Bertelsmann’s Commitment to Social Responsibility
To learn about Bertelsmann’s commitment to society, and what we're doing for our employees, explore our local community initiatives, read about what were doing for the environment, charity and philanthropy, and lastly, check out how were trying to stay green and what were doing to play our part in keep the environment safe and clean.