The Bertelsmann Reinhard Mohn Fellowship: CSR as Cultural Exchange

Synopsis:

The Reinhard Mohn Fellowship is an initiative of Bertelsmann AG. It reflects Bertelsmann's ongoing commitment to fostering social, cultural and individual development by aiming to reward and sponsor people with leadership qualities who have demonstrated enterprise, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. It provides for up to five social entrepreneurs from all over the world to be selected from a group of applicants to undertake a one year program offering them the opportunity to experience corporate culture, work on projects in various divisions and build networks within Bertelsmann's global group of media companies. The idea behind the initiative is not only to provide a unique opportunity to socially innovative young entrepreneurs but also to allow the company to benefit from their contrasting points of view and differing sets of experiences. The case aims at stimulating students to think about innovative ways in which companies can contribute to society. It also allows for a discussion of the process of gaining and keeping momentum for social initiatives within large companies. Questions which might be posed include: who benefits from the initiative? Is the program a success? Can its impact be measured? And, above all, can it be replicated or provide a role model for other companies? In particular, the case allows for an interesting discussion on corporate responsibility initiatives in privately held companies.

Title: The Bertelsmann Reinhard Mohn Fellowship: CSR as Cultural Exchange

Author(s): Ganly, K. and Mair, J.

Reference No: DG-1491-E

No. of pages: 26

Year of publication: 2006

Geographical location: Europe, Germany

Keywords: Corporate Culture; Social Entrepreneurship; Corporate Entrepreneurship; Social Responsibility; Human Resources Management

Complementary materials: Teaching Note - coming soon. 

This case study is available from IESE Business School:

http://www.iesep.com/(S(vzlpnxz4x2gp4f451ojog4ns))/fichaProducto.aspx?sigla=DG-1491-E