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Basic Approach to CSR Activities

At the Kobe Steel Group, we take our corporate social responsibilities (CSR) very seriously as an important component of our business. We've adopted specific guidelines in the form of our Corporate Code of Ethics. As a manufacturer, we are particularly committed to environmentally friendly production and product development. We are also determined to contribute to society and the environment, while ensuring the sustainable development of the entire Group

Building a Sustainable Society

Our Corporate Code of Ethics sets out principles and guidelines to ensure that we act as a good corporate citizen in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and social norms. It consists of our Corporate Ethical Principles, Standards of Corporate Conduct and Implementation Guidance for the Corporate Code of Ethics.

Our Corporate Ethical Principles are a set of seven guidelines that Kobe Steel, its directors, officers and employees are required to follow when engaging in corporate activities. Based on our commitment to enforcing and strengthening compliance, these principles represent the foundations on which we fulfill our corporate social responsibilities, by contributing to the environment and interacting effectively with our customers, business partners, employees, members of the local community and other stakeholders. Our Standards of Corporate Conduct set out standards for particularly important activities as part of our day-to-day operations. Standards are implemented by individual employees based on operating manuals containing detailed explanations.

We make sure that all of the Kobe Steel Group's corporate activities comply with our Corporate Ethical Principles and Standards of Corporate Conduct, in order to make a positive difference in society and the environment.

CSR Promotion System

  • CSR Promotion Structure

CSR Promotion Structure

In 2006, we established a CSR Committee, which is responsible for determining policies related to corporate social responsibility and providing centralized implementation.

To facilitate discussion, make proposals and conduct follow-up verification, we have also established a Compliance Committee to advise the Board of Directors.

The CSR Committee compiles information concerning the CSR activities and publishes it each year in the form of this Sustainability Report.

Strengthening and Enhancing Corporate Governance

  • Corporate Governance System

Corporate Governance System

Based on the understanding that executive decision-making and day-to-day operations are inseparable, Kobe Steel has adopted a system that places corporate officers in charge of company operations. These officers bear legal responsibility toward shareholders and business partners for the business operations pursued by all major business divisions in the Kobe Steel Group.

The Board of Directors currently consists of executives from senior management, including directors in charge of major operations at headquarters, heads of divisions that have an important impact on Group operations, and others at a comparable level. To ensure transparency and fairness, and to reinforce oversight functions, two of the ten board members are outside directors. Corporate officers in charge of company operations are appointed by the Board and are entrusted by the President and CEO to fulfill their duties.

Kobe Steel has also adopted an auditing system that employs five corporate auditors, three of whom come from outside the company. Internal audits are conducted by auditors who maintain their autonomy by belonging to an independent Audit Department. By further strengthening auditing functions in this way, we have heightened the efficacy of corporate governance.

Note: Shareholders were consulted concerning the appointment of outside directors at the 159th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.