Migros reports on social matters

Migros becomes the first Swiss company to produce a report on social issues which is presented to the public at a press conference on 4 September 1978. In the introduction, Pierre Arnold writes: "Reporting on social matters aims to publicly present the strengths and weaknesses, achievements and shortcomings of a company." And that is exactly what the report edited by Werner Baumann and researched by Professor Meinolf Dierkes from Berlin does. This document reports on customer relationships in the commercial, social and cultural spheres. It analyses interactions with employees, cooperative members, the environment, the public, suppliers and competitors. It does not just bring positive aspects to light either. Many of those interviewed find Migros to be too big and powerful. The criticism is taken seriously within Migros. The report on social matters is continued and further editions are published in 1980, 1983 and 1985. Even critics concede this represents a pioneering step in terms of corporate disclosure.