RepMan Forum 2019: “The Essence of Business is Reputation”
The forum organized by the RepMan Reputation Research Center discussed “How to Manage Reputation When Crises Turn into Chaos”
The eighth RepMan Forum 2019, organized by the RepMan Reputation Research Center, was held on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Maslak Orjin with the support of Panasonic Life Solutions Turkey and Zorlu Holding, under the title “Managing Reputation When Crises Turn Into Chaos”.
The RepMan Forum 2019 was dedicated to Güngör Uras. You can watch the show reel prepared about him and the program presentation by Forum Chairman Salim Kadıbeşegil <here< strong=””>
Bilecik: “Reputation cannot be borrowed, nor can it be subject to a concordat.”
The opening speech of the forum was delivered by Erol Bilecik, Chairman of the Board of Index Group and Chairman of the Board of TÜSİAD for the 2017-2018 term, under the title “The Essence of Business is Reputation.” Stating that reputation absolutely does not tolerate mistakes, that lost reputation cannot be borrowed from others, and that it cannot be subject to a concordat, Bilecik emphasized that the key point in times of crisis and chaos is to ensure trust and stability. Bilecik stressed that the world remembers those who persevere, not those who give up; that our country can overcome any crisis and raise its international reputation by prioritizing modern education, science, and technology through long-term implementation. You can watch Erol Bilecik’s speech </here<>here.
Nuran Aksu, Founder and President of ZENNA Corporate Brand Research, shared the summary results of the RESPECT 2019 Reputation Trends Survey, which includes the views of the public during this period of reputational chaos, with the participants. You can access the study here. You can watch Nuran Aksu’s speech here.
In times of crisis, the public wants ethical, transparent, and accountable management.
In a survey of 1,002 people, 84% of participants said there was an economic crisis, while 72% said they were taking precautions against the crisis by reducing their spending and choosing alternatives in terms of product-price balance. Within the scope of the research, 64% of employees stated that their company had been affected by the crisis and that the first measures taken included layoffs, department downsizing, reduction of training, reduction of technological spending, and, in particular, the suspension of social responsibility projects at a rate of 22%. Only 10% of participants believe that companies are standing by society during this period, while participants expect companies to manage their businesses ethically, transparently, accountably, and fairly during times of crisis, to maintain product and service quality, and to keep the price-value balance stable.
In their responses to questions posed to the public, forum participants emphasized the importance of protecting employee rights and transparency in terms of employer branding. In terms of social responsibility, they expect consistency between what companies say and what they do, and that they prioritize their responsibilities to society and the environment as much as their core business.
In a special session held in memory of Güngör Uras, whom we lost in 2018, moderated by economics writer Uğur Gürses, Konda General Manager Bekir Ağırdır and Bahçeşehir University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Haluk Gürgen discussed ways out of the chaos created by the crisis. Following Uğur Gürses, who opened the session by stating that the real sector was caught in the crisis more indebted than ever before, Bekir Ağırdır took the floor and stated that the world was becoming more metropolitan, that life was now multidimensional, and that managing the crisis within this multidimensionality was even more difficult, emphasizing that “because the crisis has now become a reality of life.” You can watch the open discussion here.
“Sincerity” is important in overcoming crises
Noting that Turkish people associate crisis with trust and contact, Ağırdır stated that sincerity, authenticity, justice, and vision are important in overcoming crises, and that it is necessary to think in multiple layers and act by considering every dimension in every aspect of life. He conveyed that we must all act by thinking about how to be the best at what we do, rebuilding ourselves, our work, and our country.
Prof. Dr. Haluk Gürgen stated that saving the day and populism no longer bring prestige, and conveyed that the way to secure the future is to fulfill our responsibilities. To do this, it is necessary to focus on sincerity, think about the future, and focus on trust and the experience to be created.
Journalist M. Serdar Kuzuloğlu, who spoke at the forum, delivered a visionary speech on how technological developments will affect reputation and its components. Highlighting that reputation is associated with fame and dignity, Kuzuloğlu shared with participants the activities carried out by technology companies for global lobbying efforts and global examples. Kuzuloğlu pointed out that we need to question where the brands and individuals we perceive as reputable in life derive these characteristics from. M. Serdar Kuzuloğlu noted, “Therefore, our responsibility to make individuals and brands reputable has become a priority, and we must not confuse fame derived from popularity with reputation.” You can watch M. Serdar Kuzuloğlu’s speech here .
General Notes from RepMan Forum 2019 and closing remarks.
Don’t make promises, build trust; when you have trust, you don’t need to make promises.
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Communication must be consistent, and consistency requires calmness. Those who remain calm always prevail.
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The strength of nations lies not in leaps and bounds, but in their steadfast stance.
In economics, the issue is not saving the day, but building tomorrow. Reputation cannot be borrowed, nor can bankruptcy be declared. One day, everyone will need the law.
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The world remembers those who persevere, not those who give up.
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The common truth that applies to everyone is called reality. Truths that vary from person to person lead to a departure from reality.
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Although dignity, fame, and reputation are similar, they have individual and social distinctions.
RepMan Forum2019 was also broadcast live online simultaneously with the talks.
