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Basic Approach to CSR
At the Kobe Steel Group, we consider our corporate social responsibilities (CSR) to be an important component of Group management and have adopted specific CSR 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 determined to contribute to society and the environment, while ensuring sustainable development of the entire Group.
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 Guidelines for the Corporate Code of Ethics.
Our Corporate Ethical Principles are a set of seven guidelines that Kobe Steel, including its directors, officers and employees, are required to follow when engaging in business 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 guidelines for particularly important activities for the implementation of the Corporate Ethical Principles in day-to-day operations. Standards are implemented by individual employees based on operating manuals containing detailed explanations.
In order to make a positive difference in society and the environment, we ensure that all of Kobe Steel Group's corporate operations comply with our Corporate Ethics Principles and Standards of Corporate Conduct.
CSR Promotion System
CSR Promotion Structure
In 2006, we established a CSR Committee, which is responsible for determining basic policies related to corporate social responsibility and providing centralized implementation.
To facilitate discussion, make proposals and conduct follow-up verification related to important issues, 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 the Kobe Steel Group Sustainability Report.
Strengthening and Enhancing Corporate Governance
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, directors in charge of major operations at headquarters, heads of divisions that have an important impact on Group operations, and other officials with comparable levels of responsibility. Additionally, 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.
Within this management structure, Kobe Steel strengthens management auditing functions and improves the effectiveness of corporate governance by making use of a corporate auditing system, with five Audit & Supervisory Board Members including three outside Audit & Supervisory Board Members. Internal audits of companywide business operations are also carried out by the Audit Department, which is established as an independent organization.
*The number of directors and Audit & Supervisory Board Members is the number expected after the conclusion of the 160th General Meeting of Shareholders.
