Want to know more?
The German Mittelstand: A Sustainable Business Model in Transition?
13.07.2017 | Dierk Lemmermann, Pierre Zapp
Few companies are founded with a clear sense of sustainable business practices, but for more than three million private, family-owned German companies classified as Mittelstands, their long-term approach to business, deep connection and engagement with employees and customers has not only helped them to thrive, but embodies some of the key drivers of a successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy that many multi-national companies currently strive for. But have we reached a point of transition?
Few companies are founded with a clear sense of sustainable business practices, but for more than three million private, family-owned German companies classified as Mittelstands, their long-term approach to business, deep connection and engagement with employees and customers has not only helped them to thrive, but embodies some of the key drivers of a successful corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy that many multi-national companies currently strive for. But have we reached a point of transition?
More recently, CSR has grown in importance from a well-intentioned silo to a strategic priority for companies, as the role business plays in supporting a more sustainable future gathers pace.
The advocacy article “The German Mittelstand: A Sustainable Business Model in Transition” by Dierk Lemmermann and Pierre Zapp was published in connection with the G20 summit 2017 in Hamburg, Germany, on www.g7g20.com.
More information
A Blueprint for Sustainable Growth
08.05.2017 | Pierre Zapp The nature of the German Mittelstand has allowed it to become a clear example of sustainability. Usually family-owned, these companies have a long-term outlook which has allowed them to maintain sustainable growth through their focus in specialization and customer needs.