The philosophy of the Tata group and its approach to corporate sustainability has been masterfully captured in Code of Honour: Nurturing People, Enriching Life, a book authored by Group Publications, the internal publications division of Tata Sons, and published by Westland. The book was launched yesterday by Kishor Chaukar, managing director, Tata Industries, and chairman of Tata Council of Community Initiatives, in Mumbai at the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower.

 

Talking about the Tata approach to corporate sustainability, Mr Chaukar said, “In line with our founder, Jamsetji Tata’s philosophy, we practice a belief that in a free enterprise the community is not just another stakeholder in business, but is in fact the very purpose of its existence. One major pillar of Jamsetji’s concept of business was corporate sustainability. The second one was the code of conduct — the belief system, the values and the ethics. Together, these two pillars support and reinforce our aim to improve the quality of life in the communities we operate in and build trust among the people with whom we relate.”

 

Code of Honour details the Tata group’s endeavours vis-à-vis the four pillars of corporate sustainability: governance, employees, environment and the community. It does this through a series of stories that narrate how different Tata companies and organisations are working to benefit the community, shareholders, customers and people in different parts of India and the world. It highlights the Tata commitment to causes that stretch beyond business, in spheres such as social development, research and education, employee wellbeing, and the environment. In doing so it reveals the depth and breadth of the Tata group’s involvement in helping create and sustain livelihoods, in backing grassroots organisations in a multitude of fields, and in living by ethical business principles.

 

The narratives in Code of Honour chronicle a philosophy of sustainability that puts people first. As the introduction to the book has it, “This is a story of big business with a big heart”.

 

“This book talks about what the Tata group has done for the community, which it has always considered an integral part of its business,” says Christabelle Noronha, the editor of Code of Honour. “What it does, I believe, is light up a world where profit and growth, bottom lines and market value are not the only coordinates that guide business.”

 

“Westland is delighted to publish the Code of Honour: Nurturing People, Enriching Life. It is a matter of pride to acknowledge the Tata group of companies for their outstanding commitment to national development and corporate sustainability," said Gautam Padmanabhan, chief executive officer of Westland. 'With the help of Group Publications, we are able to quantify, to some extent, the innumerable achievements of these companies, which make the lives of their staff and clients both more productive and enjoyable.”

 

Code of Honour, priced at Rs795, will be available across bookstores in India.

 

Tata companies wishing to buy the book in bulk may avail of a discount by getting in touch with Paul Kumar, executive editor, Westland, on 91 11 46049804 (direct) or 91 11 4604 9800 (up to 4604 9810) or write to paulk666@gmail.com.

 

The discounts available for bulk purchase are as follows: