» View the Tuberculosis Business Action Methodology

» View the Malaria Business Action Methodology

GBC BUSINESS ACTION METHODOLOGY™

The Business Action Methodology™ (BAM) is a trademark product of GBC that is exclusive to GBC member companies. BAM is a process based on a business-management model for the design and implementation of a company response to HIV/AIDS. Through an intensive process with GBC experts, BAM results in a strategic, goal-oriented action plan, tailor-made to an individual company's characteristics and core competencies.

Conventional business engagement on HIV/AIDS has been primarily through the workplace. The business response to HIV/AIDS was therefore limited to companies with operations and workforces in high prevalence regions and vulnerable populations. However;

Every company, ranging from car manufacturers to cosmetics, has the potential to contribute to, and be a valued partner in, the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The challenge is that many companies have difficulty identifying the immediate entry points that link their services or products to fighting AIDS.

BAM answers the following questions for any company, any where in the world:

  • How is HIV/AIDS relevant to the company?
  • What are the Company Goals in engaging on HIV/AIDS?
  • What strategies can the company adopt to achieve these goals?
  • How can the company know it is making a difference?   

Informed by the experiences of GBC'S growing membership and by our close relationships with NGOs, international agencies, and national governments, the BAM incorporates into a three-step process - the specificities of a company (including its organizational structure), geographic location, workforce demographics, industry sector, community relations and leadership commitment.

Companies that have undergone the BAM process have reported greater efficiency and impact in their implementation as a result of adhering to clearly defined goals, task allocation, and measurable outcomes. Companies have also reported additional benefits gained from the partnerships, and from increased community relations that emerged from the implementation phase of the BAM.

Business Action Methodology (BAM) - Principles

BAM is applied to four principle areas where companies can take action on HIV/AIDS:

Core Competency:  Business core competencies are the products, services and operations of companies, and essential what the company does best. These also form the components that support a comprehensive response to HIV/AIDS prevention, testing and treatment. Business core competencies can be categorized into: products, services and branding, business expertise, employees, plant, property and equipment. The BAM helps identify innovative applications of these competencies, which offer tremendous potential for partnerships with other initiatives, businesses, governments and communities. This can increase business participation against AIDS, and enhance the impact of public and community programs.

Workplace:  The workplace is the immediate and priority area for companies with operations in heavily affected and vulnerable regions. It is widely accepted that the elements of comprehensive workplace program constitutes: Non-discriminatory Policy, Program Development, Education and Awareness, Voluntary Counseling and Testing, Care, Support and Treatment, Monitoring and Evaluation. Through BAM, the workplace policies and programs are designed based on tried and applied interventions to ensure implementation ease and efficiency, and to maximize impact.

Community Involvement:  Many initiatives on HIV/AIDS are increasingly addressing the continuum between the workplace and the community, acknowledging that the spread of the disease is influenced by behaviors and socio-economic pressures within the communities in which workers live. Companies have engaged in "social investment" programs to confront the disease on local, national and international levels. The main mechanisms for community involvement include: philanthropy, community program development, extension of workplace programs, health sector support and international community

Advocacy and Leadership:  The voice of business leaders can promote change and influence policy. Within their companies, senior management can address stigma and discrimination, send a clear message on non-discrimination, and promote behaviors that prevent spread of the disease, and ensure that those infected are effectively managed. Business leaders also have a role in public health and community policies. The BAM helps identify the ways in which CEOs and Chairpersons of companies can use their powerful positions through appropriate platforms.