For example, Saturn Corporation employees report that on-the job training they receive in communication, listening skills, conflict resolution, team building, and empowerment can be applied at home with their families. They learn the skill at work, and they use it at home. It is a tool that can be linked to Quality Improvement, Team Building, Customer Satisfaction, etc. It is important to recognize that corporations cannot do it all. A leading economic and social policy analyst, Robert Kuttner, speaking at our Annual Meeting warned companies not to promise more than they can deliver.
Government has important roles to play.
As we look worldwide, we recognize that some countries have pursued social policies that offer benefits not available in other economies. Our key challenge is achieving an appropriate balance between private and publics sector responsibilities. It is also worth noting that the tremendous differences among cultures worldwide, particularly with respect to women and children and work, present difficult dilemmas for companies. No one model fits all situations. And these differences can also give rise to serious conflict and disagreement which we must work out.