At IBM, we use our technology and innovation to make the biggest difference we can in all the communities we touch, both as an organisation and as individuals.
IBM's approach to community support is to help people use information technology to improve the quality of life for themselves and others. Our program of stakeholder consultation has led us, as a company, to focus on areas where technology can make the biggest difference. In Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ) a consultative process has shown these to be: K-12 education, particularly in disadvantaged communities; supporting people with disabilities; and addressing the digital divide. Our dedicated Corporate Community Relations Department continues to work in partnership with schools, educational institutions and not-for-profit organisations in these areas, coordinating the donation of funds, technology and employee time to support specific programs over the long-term.
Over the years, where this consultative process has highlighted gaps in community resources, we have also developed new technology programs and tools. We continue to support, expand and develop these programs as outlined on the Community Relations web site.
IBM's community support strategy is proactive and ongoing, working in partnership with community organisations that are committed to implementing innovative programs to benefit disadvantaged communities. We are focused on developing relationships with not-for-profit organisations that demonstrate the ability to foster sustainable change to enhance future community outcomes.
Guidelines for community support programs
IBM reviews all unsolicited proposals on an individual basis and maintains a strong policy of giving. We follow specific guidelines to maintain a community support program consistent with our company's direction and values.
IBM does not provide community support from corporate philanthropic funds to:
- Individuals, political, labour, religious or fraternal organisations or sports groups
- Fundraising events such as raffles, telethons, walk-a-thons or auctions
- Capital campaigns, construction and renovation projects
- Chairs, endowments or scholarships sponsored by academic or not-for-profit institutions
- Special events such as conferences, symposia or sports competitions
- Organisations that discriminate in any way against any race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation
Stakeholder consultation
Every company operates not just inside its market areas, but within the broader world. By opening up new doors, and being able to build substantive relationships with a range of important constituents, companies can play a material role in shaping a responsible, forward-looking context for 21st-century business and technology.
To this end we have a range of structures and programs in place to ensure we consult with our range of stakeholders.
Corporate Citizenship Council
IBM's Corporate Citizenship Council is made up of representatives of major functions within our Corporate division. It is tasked with ensuring that corporate citizenship is integrated into all aspects of our business for every employee and department. This includes understanding the needs and interests of our clients, employees, investors and communities; assessing IBM's social, environmental and business practices to ensure they are in alignment with IBM's values; and integrating the company's corporate citizenship objectives throughout the business. [more]
Global Innovation Outlook (GIO)
We have opened up our technical and business forecasting processes to include external leaders from business, academia, the public sector, NGOs and other influential constituents of the world community. The GIO takes a deep look at some of the most pressing issues facing the world and works toward providing solutions to those needs. [
more]
IBM's Global Leadership Network
In 2003, IBM assembled a group of the world's top performing companies to take stock of management of corporate responsibility practice and its integration into core business processes. Ten of these companies have come together to create the Global Leadership Network for Corporate Citizenship (GLN). This international network focuses on the crucial question of what constitutes world-class performance in corporate citizenship. [more] (US)
For a more information on stakeholder relationships visit Relationships (US) within the IBM Corporate Responsibility (US) web site |
