Corporate Social Responsibility And The Role Of Transnational Corporations In Global Justice

Multinational Corporations and Global Justice: Human Rights Obligations of a Quasi-Governmental Institution addresses the changing role and responsibilities of large multinational companies in the global political economy. This cross- and inter-disciplinary work makes innovative connections between current debates and streams of thought, bringing together global justice, human rights, and corporate responsibility. Conceiving of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from this unique perspective, author Florian Wettstein takes readers well beyond the limitations of conventional notions, which tend to focus on either beneficence or pure charity. While the call for multinationals' involvement in the solution of global problems has become stronger in recent times, few specifics have been laid down regarding how to hold those institutions accountable in the global arena. This text attempts to work out the normative basis underlying the responsibilities of multinational corporations—thereby filling a crucial void in the literature and marking a milestone in the CSR debate.

"At present, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for some may not be more than an attitude. Can it be more? What degree of commitment can we reasonably expect of corporations in the struggle to eradicate poverty, promote human rights, halt climate change and reverse ongoingenvironmental destruction? It is not a question of power; more than half of the worlds top 100 economies are corporations, not nation-states. Whatever can be done to "fix" the world's problems, corporations are in the best position to do [it]."--Back cover.

Provides an original account of international business ethics grounded in cosmopolitan human rights theory Transnational companies (TNCs) operate in a variety of political jurisdictions and legal frameworks. As international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) continue to increase, TNCs based in industrialized 'home' nations are gaining enormous economic and political influence in developing 'host' nations. Corporations operating internationally, particularly in nations with limited regulatory and enforcement resources, are often free to determine whether they will follow existing laws and guidelines regarding consumer protection, worker safety, and environmental protection. The Ethics of Global Business provides clear and pragmatic guidance for business leaders interested in the ethical conduct of international business. With a cosmopolitan human rights perspective on international business ethics, this comprehensive volume describes modern transnational companies, explains why companies and their leaders are responsible for company policies and practices, and presents a conceptual framework grounded in respect for basic human rights. Arnold addresses a wide range of central topics, such as the role of transnational companies in global justice, the human rights obligations of transnational companies, labor rights in global supply chains, corporate responsibility regarding global climate change, and exploitation and empowerment at the base of the global economic pyramid. Presents and defends a theory of moral legitimacy that views TNCs as agents of justice Offers an alternative ethical conception of CSR that integrates a cosmopolitan human rights perspective Provides critical and ethical analysis of recent United Nations (UN) initiatives on business and human rights including the UN tripartite framework recently approved by the UN Human Rights Council Analyzes current Base of the Pyramid (BoP) strategies Defends minimum standards for working conditions in global supply chains and analyzes wage exploitation in developing nations Demonstrates the need for ethical CSR and morally legitimate BoP business ventures that do not exploit people living in moderate and extreme poverty (MEP) The Ethics of Global Business is essential reading for business leaders, policymakers, scholars, undergraduate and graduate students, and general readers with an interest in business ethics, global justice, human rights, sweatshop ethics, solutions to global poverty, corporate environmental sustainability, and global climate change as related to transnational companies.

This book explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the formulation of a global code of conduct for transnational corporations. It assesses the current state of research on global regulations intended to enhance the social responsibility of transnational corporations, and provides a platform for future research. In particular the book examines frameworks and instruments for regulating social responsibility, reviews recent developments concerning the proposed UN Code of Conduct on Transnational Corporations, and provides insights into international civil society groups’ movements in pursuit of a code of conduct. In a separate chapter the book discusses theoretical issues in regulating transnational corporations, and investigates their legitimacy and behavioral dynamics. In closing, the book discusses alternatives to a global code of conduct, the impact of sovereign power in the era of globalization, “soft regulations,” and the feasibility and normative efficacy of enforcing regulations.

Globalization and the professionalization of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) have led to a surge of CSR activities claiming to support development across the globe. In this two volume series, the chapters explore this claim through nuanced debate about the potentialities, limitations and threats of development-oriented CSR in the developing world at both the global and local levels. Volume 1 explores whether there is a genuine possibility for corporations to contribute to development through CSR activities. With corporate reach spreading into every corner of the globe, this is a timely contribution presenting cases from developing countries spanning multiple continents. It explores the multi-level and multi-stakeholder dynamics involved in shaping the complex interface between multinational corporations (MNCs) and possibilities for CSR-related development. The chapters highlight the potential for MNCs to spread best practice and complement the role of governments in bridging governance gaps and spearheading capacity building efforts. But they also highlights serious reservations, stemming from isolated assessments, limited appreciation of the complexities of context, and the permeation of a northern agenda that marginalizes local voices.Within the larger debate on the merits and evils of globalization, this volume captures the mixed record of MNCs in promoting effective development in those parts of the world where it is most needed. This important series will be the reference source for academics, practitioners, policy-makers and NGOs involved in development-oriented CSR.

In recent decades, claims have increasingly been made on transnational corporations to take responsibility for the promotion and protection of human and labour rights in countries where they operate. This behavioural obligation results from the persistent advocacy of non-governmental organizations and is commonly known as corporate social responsibility (CSR). Driven by the theory of the 'norm life cycle model', the book uses an interesting range of case studies, including Nike and the anti-apartheid movement, to trace the development of CSR as an international norm. The development is examined through five selected non-governmental organizations: Clean Clothes Campaign, Fairtrade Labelling Organizations International, Global Exchange, International Business Leaders Forum and the International Labor Rights Fund. The book makes a lucid contribution to an emerging scholarship, and will interest researchers and practitioners involved in issues of global governance and global civil society.

Despite its recent popularity in literature, theory, and practice, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) remains a vague concept that struggles to define itself beyond the confines of corporate philanthropy or sustainability. In some circles, it is a response to the present and anticipated climate change challenges, while in others it focuses on fair trade, corporate governance, and responsible investment. What then is CSR, and how do we understand its purpose? In Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, authors Kenneth Amaeshi and Paul Nnodim consider the governance of corporate externalities (positive and negative impacts of firms on society and the environment) as the main thrust of the CSR discourse - a field that hitherto only the state has regulated, with sometimes coercive actions. This book contributes to the theorization of CSR by presenting the meaning of CSR in a clear and distinct manner, giving the ongoing CSR debate a new direction anchored on a firm economic philosophy. It reinforces the view of firms as social institutions as well as economic actors, establishing CSR as a form of justice rather than philanthropy. Articulating CSR as private governance of corporate externalities, for the first time, this book provides researchers with a new paradigm to translate knowledge into action and offers reflective managers an alternative framework in which to explore their corporate strategies and decisions.