Hitachi 2009 Annual Report Download - page 28

The Hitachi Group’s Approach to CSR
Our corporate credo is to contribute to society through the development of superior,
original technology and products, and we have long cherished Hitachi’s founding
spirit encapsulated by the words “Harmony,” “Sincerity” and “Pioneering spirit.”
As defined by the Hitachi Group, CSR means promoting activities that increase
social, economic, environmental and human value. This requires a clear commitment
from top management and ongoing efforts to strengthen corporate governance,
based on a culture of compliance and high ethical values.
Our vision and mission is to harness the Hitachi Group’s collective knowledge and
technologies to address fundamental issues affecting the global community with the
aim of providing a safer and more pleasant life for all. To realize this philosophy and
mission and fulfill society’s expectations, we formulated the CSR Policy of the Hitachi
Group in March 2005 as a common policy platform to support the global CSR pro-
motion framework of the Hitachi Group.
CSR Promotion
Achieving the Three-Year Roadmap
The Hitachi Group established the Three-Year CSR Roadmap, a medium-term plan
for CSR, in fiscal 2006. Based on this roadmap, we set fiscal year targets and are
promoting various activities to achieve those targets.
In fiscal 2008, Hitachi developed a CSR self-assessment tool with the aim of
assessing its position and the appropriate direction for CSR activities. By using this
tool, Hitachi, Ltd. found that the structures and systems required for effective CSR
are mostly in place. However, we also discovered areas that need improvement:
linking CSR and corporate strategy; disclosing information about the whole Hitachi
Group; and sharing, educating and informing Group employees about global stan-
dards. This tool is being used in 22 Hitachi Group companies at present and the
results are being utilized as the basis for formulating action plans at each company.
In March 2009, Hitachi held a dialogue with stakeholders in New York, U.S. We
exchanged a broad range of opinions with various stakeholders, reviewing and
assessing management issues that are important at Hitachi for ensuring the sustain-
able development of management and society.
European CSR Project Launched
In order to implement CSR activities best suited for Europe, Hitachi Group companies
in Europe have launched a CSR project to look at what the Hitachi Group as a
whole—as well as Hitachi Group businesses in Europe—must focus on, and the level
of interest of stakeholders in the region. The main themes to promote are implement-
ing environmental projects, encouraging diversity, respecting human rights, and pro-
moting CSR procurement.
The Hitachi Group believes corporate social responsibility (CSR) is founded on the understanding and actions of each
individual employee. A common CSR Policy of the Hitachi Group has been instituted since March 2005 to support
practical implementation of this approach across the Hitachi Group. With the aim of being an advanced global enter-
prise in this field, we have also established the Three-Year CSR Roadmap as a medium-term CSR action plan.
CSR Policy of the Hitachi Group
1. Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
2. Contribution to Society through Our Business
3. Disclosure of Information and Stakeholder Engagement
4. Corporate Ethics and Human Rights
5. Environmental Conservation
6. Corporate Citizenship Activities
7. Working Environment
8. Responsible Partnership with Business Partners
(Adopted March 2005)
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
26 Hitachi, Ltd.
Annual Report 2009