How can economic transformation succeed? The necessary socio-ecological transformation must be designed democratically and involve the entire society. Thus, the change must also be supported by economic actors and embedded in their practices. Given an economic logic characterized by growth imperatives and competition, this is not always easy. How can sustainable and solidarity-based economic models be tested and further developed?
At Konzeptwerk, we are organized as a collective enterprise, orient our work toward the common good and global justice, and therefore have extensive experience with alternative economic models. We want to share this experience with common good-oriented companies (and those that aspire to become such) and other organizations, so that together we can move beyond our niche and become more effective.
We offer learning and exchange spaces in group seminars and individual consultations to support organizations that aspire to be part of a sustainable and solidarity-based economy on their path to transformation. Our approach is holistic and understands sustainable organizational development as a democratic process that serves both the common good and the employees.
Seminars and consulting for companies and associations
We want to support companies and other organizations in embedding the necessary economic transformation into their work structures. Our focus is on social impact, whether as a company in a commercial capacity or as an association through civic engagement. Our approach is holistic and considers the values and goals of not only our target group but also our employees. Accordingly, we offer both individual and collective consulting formats:
- Group seminars, in which methods and concepts are presented and discussed, with inputs but also space for collegial consultation and the opportunity to network with other actors in the transformation.
- Individual consultationsin which concrete challenges of an organization are discussed in more depth and strategies for implementation are developed together.
Who is the offer aimed at?
This offering is aimed at organizations such as companies and associations that want to be part of a sustainable society and act accordingly. The topics are relevant both for companies and other organizations in the development phase and for established actors who want to change their practices for the common good.
Topics
We offer advice on topics related to sustainability and democracy that are relevant for both companies and associations:
Value-oriented organizational forms
This course explores how collective work can be designed along the lines of values such as democracy and sustainability. We explore proven concepts such as transformative leadership, sociocracy, and the RACI model of accountability.
- How can we make decisions that are supported by everyone in the organization?
- How much leadership, how much coordination does good work require?
- Where do implicit and explicit hierarchies work within an organization?
- How do we create transparency and reflection around different roles in the organization?
Effective strategy
This involves establishing structures focused on the common good in new or existing organizations. The focus is on finding a balance between social impact and economic viability. To be successful, an organization must pursue a strategy that effectively shapes its interactions with its target groups.
- What is our profile as an organization and which target group do we address?
- How can we be effective in the medium and long term?
- How can projects, services and products be developed collectively?
- How do we as an organization learn from our successes and mistakes?
Self-determined digital infrastructures
This course explores the relevance of self-determination, sustainability, and data protection in digital infrastructures. The focus is on addressing the advantages and disadvantages of free (and open-source) software and commercial platforms from tech companies.
- What software is needed for smooth communication and collaboration?
- How can contact and customer management be organized efficiently and securely?
- How can IT hardware be acquired sustainably and used for a long time?
- Which tools enable data-secure collaboration with external parties?
Needs-oriented business administration
This course focuses on financial management and its alignment with social goals and the needs of employees. It addresses the challenges of business management in organizations that are not primarily profit-oriented and presents alternative operating models.
- How can wages be made fair for all employees?
- How can working hours be limited and distributed fairly?
- How can binding staffing plans be financially secured?
- What long-term challenges do public interest organizations face?
Empowering human resources management
This covers how employees are treated, from staffing levels to team composition. The focus is on building a supportive and inclusive work environment in which all employees can effectively contribute their strengths and potential.
- How can job advertisements and interviews be made inclusive?
- What influence do collective decision-making processes have on team dynamics?
- What concepts exist for dealing with discrimination and privileges in the workplace?
- How can an attractive workplace be created for employees?
Until the end of May 2025, we had a grant for public-benefit companies and other organizations in and around Leipzig. As part of this project, we offered five seminars and individual consultations. If you have any questions regarding the project or the seminars, Feel free to write to beratung@knoe.org.
