Thinking

Points IBMs Values and Corporate Citizenship

By: Chris Newlove and Marc Simmons

Moral Reputation

IBM has pioneered Social Responsibility and Corporate Citizenship. They were among the first to
publish environmental impact and diversity reports. Every employee reviews Business Conduct
Guidelines annually.

Is there a connection between a high standard of ethics and a high standard of quality?
Do clients value the ethical behaviour of suppliers?

Creating Demand

IBMs business purpose is to harness the power of innovation in service to the social and
educational goals of the broader society. Community programs have given IBM leverage
because of reputation for innovation in social programming. Governments want IBM ideas.

As pro bono work continues, IBM builds creative talent and gains intellectual property. While
many initiatives begin as donation, they can spin off into profitable lines of business.

The three overarching values of IBMers: Dedication to every clients success. Innovation that
matters for customers and the world. Trust and personal responsibility in all relationships. By
demonstrating technological innovation through social innovation, IBM gains access to clients

Could the R&D dollars that contribute to blue project be more profitably spent?

IBM Identity

Was IBM strictly motivated to get more government business?

Is IBM trying to create innovations that governments will have demand for later?
Is IBM blue washing as a distraction from less savoury business activities?

Building Creativity and Building on Innovation

In an increasingly global community, do you believe that the creation of an identity

(IBMers) to be key?
They are an IT company is this sort of model nice, but wasteful?
Does this identity/connection replace the necessity for physical proximity?
Does a digital connection allow us to still connect and be innovative?