In its journey from the margins to the mainstream, the idea of corporate responsibility has become a significant part of the business agenda. Whilst society has always held expectations of business that go beyond wealth creation, the backdrop against which businesses now operate - characterised by financial crisis, climate change, political shifts, and population growth - has seen corporate responsibility becoming increasingly central to the ability of businesses to
address global concerns.
In a world where prosperity is measured in terms of economic growth, the pressure on business to maximise profits whilst also being held publically accountable for its social and environmental record, continues to increase.
Drawing on numerous case studies, theories, and perspectives, this textbook explores what corporate responsibility reveals about the changing role of business in the twenty-first century.
The third edition has been updated to reflect the full impact of the 2008-9 financial crisis and new examples of actual business practice have been presented throughout. These include: Google and their struggles with the Chinese government over censorship; Trafigura and their illegal dumping of toxic waste; and Proctor & Gamble and their charitable work to provide clean water to poor communities.
The text is accompanied by an Online Resource Centre which includes:
For students:
Additional case studies
Further reading
Sources on regulation and governance
Suggested films
Web exercises
Web links
For lecturers:
Images from the book
Taking a critical approach, this text examines the origins, meanings, and differing perspectives on corporate responsibility. The changing role of business over time is revealed as it strives to meet the challenges presented by financial, social, political, and environmental issues.
'A really good book. I recommend it because it adopts a critical approach that encourages students to discuss and debate both the ethical and the pragmatic aspects of current theory and the practice of corporate responsibility.'
