The Dubai Ethics Resource Center (DERC) and the Data Management and Research Department of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) have today announced the results of research into the level of "Corporate Responsibility Awareness in the UAE". Amongst key results of the research were findings showing that 65% of companies discriminate on grounds of age, 42% discriminate on gender, whilst 41% discriminate on grounds of disability.
The survey was designed to measure the level of business ethics, corporate governance and social responsibility awareness among UAE-based companies and highlights key findings on corporate responsibility practices in the local market.
The results were announced today at the Dubai Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Building at an event attended by key DCCi officials, business leaders and representatives of the press.
Mr. Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, supported the report stating that "The DCCI encourages academics and researchers to take a closer look at the findings of this study and contribute to the proliferation of ethical research in our region. We hope to educate businesses that corporate responsibility is a stakeholder focused approach to management rather than a term coined for giving money to charity or a means to leverage publicity. "
Mr. Alex Zalami, Executive Director, Dubai Ethics Resource Center, stated that "research material is not readily available in the UAE, and with this report we can gauge awareness of corporate responsibility and create an initial point of reference for future benchmarking of CR activity in the local market. We hope that this will stimulate companies to evaluate their CR programs and ethical practices."
The report has found that UAE businesses are aware of CR practices, yet are not investing financially in developing CR programs. It also highlights family owned businesses and the construction sector as poor performers in the area of corporate responsibility generally. According to the findings, 93% of companies are committed to CR, whilst 86% believe that ignoring corporate responsibility will have a negative impact on the firm's bottom line, yet only 24% undertake any form of CR reporting and 30% possess policies related to employee work life balance.
Mr. Belaid Rettab, Director of the Data Management and Research Department, DCCI, believes that "the figures and percentages of this research report clearly show that local companies recognize the need for corporate responsibility, they 'talk the talk' but are lacking initiative and motivation to implement effective strategy and fill the gap that may exist in their organisation.”
The full report is now available to public and can be downloaded from www.dubai-ethics.ae. For a hard copy, please contact the DERC office on phone number 04 202 8545.
About Dubai Ethics Resource Center (DERC):
The Dubai Ethics Resource Center (DERC) was established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) to foster corporate integrity and to promote the Emirate of Dubai as the region's gateway for global commerce by offering its global business partners an environment of transparency and rule of law. DERC was officially established in October of 2004.
DERC’s operating philosophy advocates coalition building and collaboration with stakeholders in pursuit of common goals. DERC adds value to its work and to that of partner organizations through open exchange of information and knowledge and the efficient use of resources. DERC has a regional focus. The center strives to become the leading ethics center in the region that enhances stakeholder value and provides a platform for active regional contribution to the development of global integrity standards
