Corporate duties

'Must' standards - following the law and socially accepted modes of behavior while being profitable - are just the beginning of good corporate citizenship. The fact that a company adheres to laws and regulations worldwide is taken for granted. At Novartis, while we offer healthy working places and minimize emissions, we apply higher standards where less stringent national regulations exist.

'Ought to' standards are those going beyond legal duties - for example, providing all employees a living wage and an established portfolio of personnel benefits. To us this is about enlightened self-interest and wise strategic decision-making.

'Can' standards - having fulfilled 'must' and 'ought to' standards - we endeavor to benefit patients and society beyond what is required by law or expected by society. We do this primarily through philanthropic and pro-bono activities.