Driving Shared Development

Fostering constructive relationships with our stakeholders

The fifth-ranked, integrated, listed international oil and gas company in the world1 and a major chemical producer and refiner-marketer, Total has operations in more than 130 countries. Depending on their type and location, our activities are subject to very different expectations. Our ability to identify and address these expectations is the key to our long-term integration.

 Yemen LNG project Safety Coordinator meets with representatives of the local committee of displaced fishermen from Jelaha

Different Situations, Different Expectations

Depending on their type (industrial or commercial) and their location (Europe, Africa, Asia or elsewhere), our activities have variable impacts and are subject to very different, often significant, expectations on the part of our stakeholders, whether neighbors, associations, partners or public authorities.

The development of an oil or gas project, for example, does not have the same impact on local balances in poor regions as in developed countries. Similarly, the opening of a service station may be welcomed in a rural area as a contribution to social cohesion and economic vitality, but may face opposition in an urban area.

Listening, Understanding and Fostering Dialogue

Our integration into the local community is conditioned by our ability to identify these expectations. It is only by understanding and addressing local issues that we can ensure the long-term success of our activities.


In this context, dialogue is a crucial factor and a key aspect of our approach to community development.


1. Based on market capitalization (in U.S. dollars) at December 31, 2010.