For many companies, recent trends in sustainability and social responsibility are not wholly new phenomena. In fact, as Arved Lüth argues in a special issue of IHK Wirtschaftsforum on the topic of “Corporate Social Responsibility”, automobile manufacturer Henry Ford (1863-1947) may be seen as a pioneer of corporate social engagement.

Lüth sheds light on the ways in which Henry Ford was able to masterfully integrate responsible practices into his business with great success.