A main observation is that some of the corporate practices we heard about and observed are among the most thoughtful and "advanced" the Corporate Engagement Project (CEP) has encountered. Companies have developed innovative and creative ways to operate in Colombia and...to ensure their activities are supported by local communities... Key success factors to a constructive stakeholder relation are approaches that:...Demonstrate respect for local people and local customs...Display maximum transparency...Inevitably, companies have a profound impact on the local context in which they operate. This is especially true when it concerns rural areas...Not addressing corporate impacts will backfire on the company... Companies express a deep-seeded concern about being associated with human rights violations conducted in their areas of operations by parties with whom they work, such as the military...Companies report the various project approaches in reviewing their policies and in working with their employees, contractors, the military and human rights groups to address human rights concerns. The report also lists practical suggestions for companies from human rights groups.