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Article

8 Dec 2003

Author:
Peter Gumbel, Time

Operation Total Makeover: Can a tainted oil giant change its spots? Inside Total's state-of-the-art corporate overhaul

Total, with $122 billion in annual revenues, has a new goal besides making money: it wants to become a better corporate citizen. That means being more responsible and responsive in how it deals with the environment, with its employees, customers and vendors -- and with the governments and peoples of the countries where it operates, including more than 40 in Africa...In poor countries, it's funding projects designed to win over indigenous peoples. And it has even hired a consultant to conduct "ethical audits" of all its subsidiaries, to ensure they comply with a 67-point checklist of standards...Why is Total's move toward corporate responsibility happening now? The main reason is that they're feeling pressure from investors, not just activists. [refers also to Shell & BP]