Our Values
To create values we start with ourselves.
Our values are the basis on which we stand. They are part of our corporate model, which we have summarized in the KfW compass. Creativity, humanity, responsibility, market economy, sustainability, performance and tolerance are the yardstick by which we measure our action.
Performance
Performance is measured by results, not by the process. Its
highest criterion is the benefit to the customer. Performance is
based on the belief that it is not enough to merely carry out a
task, but that it makes sense to fulfil it as well and efficiently
as possible. In everything we do we want to be among the
best.
Market economy
The market economy offers the best available basis to ensure
quality of life. When it fails to do so, it is necessary to
intervene with promotional activities. However, to us, market
economy is not only the goal of promotion. It also represents an
obligation to act efficiently in our work as a bank.
Sustainability
Promotion must be more than selective assistance. Those who offer their support with a larger framework in mind, will see the need for assistance decrease and produce a more consistent change in the end. Therefore promotion aims at sustainable development. Sustainability means to use available resources in such a way to ensure the bases of life and the quality of life of future generations. In addition, sustainability also means the establishment of modern, autonomous economic structures for us.
Creativity
Creativity is the individual prerequisite for innovation. Creativity knows no rules. It has something to do with abandoning rules that have become self-evident, often even with deliberately breaking them. The result can be spontaneously convincing and then it easily gains acceptance.
Responsibility
Every action implies responsibility for the consequences. Anyone who acts inevitably takes risks and needs the courage to face the consequences of his or her action. As a promotional bank we intervene in the economic process and have therefore chosen to assume responsibility.
Humanity
Our action is designed to benefit the people and to help them improve their economic, social and ecological quality of life. Our commitment to humanity is concretized in the fact that we tie our promotion to ecological and social standards, to good governance and to the fight against corruption. In our daily work and dealings with each other we set an example of humanity.
Tolerance
Tolerance is based on the belief that no opinion and no action can claim to be absolutely right. It implies openness to accept other people's ideas without any prejudice. Tolerance also means the readiness to put one's own thoughts into perspective or to participate under an unfamiliar concept.
What this means in practice becomes clear when we explain the individual values on the next pages by the example of concrete areas of operation. In all our actions we are oriented towards each of our values.
Further Information
- Areas of operation
- Brochure "KfW Kompass" (only in German)
