Germany

Abstract

Germany is the largest national economy in Europe, with a stable GDP growth, a highly productive labor force and a low unemployment rate. As a social market economy Germany has a well-developed welfare system with a social security and a universal health care system. There is a relatively strong state regulation, institutionalized stakeholder participation and consensual decision-making inside firms and progressive environmental policies. German companies perform well in environment related CSR, but middle rate in other areas of CSR. Socio-ecological responsibility and governance and ethics, however, play a minor role for employer attractiveness whereas aspects such as work atmosphere, work-life balance and family friendly policies are a key concern.