Even while they remain addicted to the dividends of liberalism, whenever crisis strikes major business groups invariably turn towards the State to bail them out. Current crises reveal the chasm between the values of the business sector and those of the real world. The ‘market’ can no longer bridge the gap between these two parallel universes. Economic mechanisms are seizing up under extreme pressure, and appear to be out of control. Companies and business schools (particularly in France) are now promoting new strategies which they christen as being ‘socially responsible’. The French acronym for this approach is RSE, which stands for ‘Social and Environmental Responsibility’: it combines environmental protection with the promotion of diversity, and the protection of health, security and sustainability. The Vigeo Ratings Agency⁽¹⁾ now evaluates CAC 40 companies in terms of their RSI (Socially Responsible Investment) in parallel with their financial grading. However, this civic attitude never takes account of one special dimension: that of the company’s patriotism. In marked contrast to many other countries, the French consider this issue to be an anachronism, even taboo. In the final analysis, French companies often find it difficult to see their relationship with the State other than through the adversarial prism of fiscality. A patriotic approach would benefit them, while also improving their contributions to the economy. After underlining the reality of the debt these companies owe to the State, it is easier to understand what is meant by ‘patriotic management’; such a strategy accords well with global international governance.

The Company and the State

From the moment of their creation companies owe a growing debt to the State. They benefit from the physical and immaterial investments made by the State. Occasionally they seek government help in a more active way. They profit from the wealth of State infrastructure, which is of course one of the major considerations in any choice of site: the road network, the electricity grid, inland waterways and local construction potential all have their part to play in the commercial success of any company.

No Less Important to a Company are the Immaterial Benefits:

Firstly, the quality of its management and the training of its workforce are the direct results of State investment; it is rare for French companies to employ a majority of immigrant workers. In the same way, private education and the apprenticeship system also owe much to the State.