In Depth: Differences in Culture as a Successful Business Model
Flinter is one of those companies working towards a sustainable maritime industry, as described in the cooperation agreement signed by MVO Nederland (organisation for corporate social responsibility - CSR) and Maritime by Holland, the Dutch maritime network organisation, in June.
Bart Otto, CEO and member of the Maritime by Holland board of directors, considers that to achieve CSR in the shipping industry is quite a challenge. “The industry has already accomplished a considerable amount of technical innovation, but a lot more can be done.”
Within the International MVO network a number of frontrunning entrepreneurs are engaged in developing social innovations, new revenue models and improved cooperation between the parties within the chain. They have agreed on the following target for 2040: ‘0% emissions, 0% noise, 100% happy people, 100% recycling’.
“Quite an ambition, but not an unrealistic one”, Otto feels. “2040 seems a long way off, but now is the time to start.” Next to technical innovations the focus is on personnel, for example the social aspect. Flinter offers an appealing working environment since in their view this is conducive to loyalty and productivity.
Every two years an employee satisfaction survey is held. As the personnel awarded the company a total score of 7.7, Flinter won Integron’s ‘Best performing organisation Employee Experience Award’ in the transport and logistics category. Paying attention to what your workforce tells you
Crewing director Monica Milcoveanu explains the reasons behind the high scores: paying attention to what your employees tell you. “For instance during the ‘What’s up?’ meetings held between management and office staff, all staff’s questions and concerns are openly discussed.” With those employed on board, too, there is a system of two-way communication via the appraisal system and the Seafarers’ Days. Milcoveanu: “We organise seminars in different locations to be able to meet as many seafarers. During these seminars our processes and procedures are discussed. It is easy for us to come up with all sorts of ideas, but we need to know whether these actually work. That is why our employees are the best possible reality check.”
Different cultures
Flinter operates in an international market and that shows: both the office staff and the seafarers come from varied cultural backgrounds. How does the company deal with all those cultural differences? Milcoveanu: “There are indeed cultural differences and it is our responsibility to make people focus on their common purpose by promoting transparence, openness, continuous communication and equal opportunities. There are huge benefits in having a multi-cultural team where one can learn from different backgrounds, get more ideas and solutions from various perspectives.”
Industry’s view is provided by one of the firms affiliated with the Dutch maritime network organisation Maritime by Holland.
