An old lesson in communications bears relevance to corporate success today.

The lesson teaches that a great deal of exchange between people has the purpose of making others do as we wish and that there are three ways to accomplish that – called the “Three P’s” for Power, Purchase and Persuasion. First, one can use power to exert force on others. Second, one can purchase, or buy, others to one’s side. Third, we can persuade people – meaning that people see our way as the right thing to do.

The third alternative is the most powerful and sustainable. Its principle – the right thing to do – lies at the core of Outokumpu’s strive for excellence. The principle is a common denominator in our business goals of becoming a desirable investment target, the preferred supplier to our customers, and the most attractive employer. These are all ingredients of our ultimate goal of becoming the undisputed Number One in stainless steel. 

Reaching our ultimate goal requires communicating strong messages and backing them up with real action. One of the strongest of the messages is that we are a responsible company in all our operations, and beyond.

Outokumpu’s operations rest firmly on the principles of corporate responsibility. This means that we take into account the interests of our stakeholders in our decision making and activities, including owners, customers, employees, suppliers and society at large. We seek to operate with openness and transparency, and we listen to and seek dialogue with our stakeholders.

Corporate responsibility means that we operate in the best interests of our owners. To act any differently would be unethical of a corporation. We are convinced that a responsible corporation is the best investment in the long run, because only such a corporation can act sustainably.

Outokumpu has achieved many milestones in corporate responsibility. To name a few, we have made big strides in workplace safety and initiated programs to build and establish good leadership throughout the company. We strive continuously and hard to minimize the environmental impact of our production. We are actively participating in efforts to study the safety of stainless steel production and the products. We are well on our way in our commercial excellence program to build superior ways in dealing with customers.

All these, as well as our many efforts to make Outokumpu a stronger company, spell out a persuasive message, both in words and in actions, that partnering with Outokumpu is the right thing to do.

Karri Kaitue
Deputy CEO