Karin Bornett
The concept of the Common Good Economy (GWÖ) is no longer entirely new. The term has been circulating more and more in specialist circles since the 1990s. The idea of the common good itself is thousands of years old. Cicero already said: "The well-being of the people should be the highest law". In the foreground of the modern economy for the common good are values such as human dignity, solidarity and ecological sustainability instead of financial gains.
In 2011 Christian Felber founded, who was also involved in the founding of Attac Austria had actively participated, in Vienna the “Association for the Promotion of the Economy for the Common Good”. The association is now active internationally and, according to its own information, is supported by more than 2.000 companies. Fundamentals of the common good economy are "the general declaration of human rights, basic democratic and constitutional values, relationship values according to the findings of social psychology, the ethics of respect for nature and the protection of the earth (Earth Charter) as well as recognized scientific facts such as the concept of the planetary Limits. "
Felber describes the intended alternative economy So: "As an ethical market economy, it is based mainly on private companies, but these do not strive for financial profit in competition with one another, but rather they cooperate with the goal of the greatest possible common good." So our entire known system does not have to be turned upside down for this new economy become.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), for example, considers the GWO as suitable to be integrated into the legal framework of the EU and its member states and in 2015 called on the European Commission to take measures to reward companies that can demonstrate a higher ethical performance.
Longing for reorganization
"Instead of maximizing profit, the common good and cooperation!"
ASTRID LUGER, managing director of the GWÖ pioneering company Culumnatura
Astrid Luger is the managing director of the natural cosmetics company CULUMNATURA. For them, the common good has always been in the foreground: “We have been committed to the GWÖ for many years because we are sure that it is the model of the future. We have always followed our path consistently, naturally and honestly. Since the company was founded in 1996, values that we represent and live have largely coincided with those of Common good-Economy. It was therefore a logical consequence for us to become part of this economic system and to stand up for 'a good life for everyone'. We work transparently and take responsibility. The best quality, fair purchasing, natural raw materials and regionality are our top priorities. Consumers also appreciate thisinside more and more. "
A survey by the Bertelsmann Foundation as early as 2010 confirmed the growing desire for more transparency and ethics in the economy. It showed that 89 percent of all Germans and 80 percent of all Austrians want a new and more ethical economic system that protects the environment and the social Greater consideration of balance in society, wish. Also the Study "Environmental Awareness Germany 2014" locates the desire for a reorganization of the economy: 67 percent of the respondents saw a new orientation of the economic system away from GDP growth, towards life satisfaction as the most important goal of economic and social policy. Among young people, as many as 70 percent would like to see gross social happiness as a new indicator instead of GDP.
Dignity and tolerance are paramount
The common good-oriented economy should be implemented in reality by setting new priorities. The heart of the system is the common good balance sheet, based on the common good report. It contains descriptions of the company's activities in relation to twenty common good issues, from the supply chain to the relationship with employees and the ecological impact.
"Instead of profit maximization and competition, the focus is on the common good and the necessary cooperation. This results in business relationships characterized by mutual respect and fairness. Our contribution to society consists of many small and large measures and actions, ”explains Luger. Striving for the greatest possible common good is an attitude towards life that must be promoted. "Politicians should finally rethink and reward companies that work for everyone in the interests of a good life. The common good must be lived. Values such as dignity and tolerance then come to the fore and are also conveyed in schools, for example. We all finally take responsibility for society and the environment. Now!"
INFO: Economy for the common good
The movement of the modern economy for the common good advocates the orientation of the economy towards the constitutional values of human dignity, solidarity, justice, sustainability and democracy and wants to create the necessary legal framework.
For more information visit www.ecogood.org
Photo / Video: Shutterstock.
