The Bertelsmann
Essentials
Our Origins and Shareholders
Bertelsmann was founded in 1835 by Carl Bertelsmann. It remains a privately-held company with the majority
of shares donated to a not-for-profit foundation – the Bertelsmann Stiftung.
Our Sense of Purpose
To empower, to create and to inspire is the purpose of our work. This provides direction to our managers and
employees and informs our relationship with customers, partners and society at large. It guides all of our work as
an international media, services and education company.
Our Essentials
In a rapidly changing world, how we do things has never been more important. Our core values guide everything
we do. Strong individually, it is how “Creativity and Entrepreneurship” work together that makes them powerful and
true to our Bertelsmann culture of participation and partnership.
Creativity
Creativity is vital to us. We celebrate and nurture
creativity: encouraging the critical and imaginative
thinking that challenges convention and unlocks
opportunity. Our minds are open and curious and
we encourage and develop the passionate pursuit
of fragile ideas. We know that experimentation is
part of the creative process and that innovation
best serves our customers and markets. Diversity
is crucial. We actively seek out different viewpoints
and encourage communication and collaboration.
&
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurial freedom provides us with the
vision and courage to take risks, the decisiveness
and perseverance to get things done, and
to be accountable for our actions. Because
we act responsibly, we can be proud of our
entrepreneurial achievements. We never lose
sight of our customers. Mutual respect and trust
between every colleague and partner is crucial.
Collaborating makes us all stronger. We invest
in our people, empower them and provide fair
working conditions. We're mindful of the impact
we have on society and environment, and we seek
to make a positive difference.
Services
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