This book challenges the separation between CSR and law. It also demonstrates that BRHR may be gradually separating from CSR through emphasis on state obligations. Authors from around the world discuss how businesses engage in CSR and human rights, and how governments and intergovernmental organisations may support business in taking responsibility

This book considers the legal control of multinational corporations (MNCs) for violations of human rights from a developing country’s perspective, examining the role for corporate social responsibility (CSR) in regulating the conduct of MNCs. The book uses the case study of Nigeria which is host to major MNCs from the EU and the US, to show that the CSR concept is currently insufficient to deal with externalities emanating from MNCs‘ operations including human rights violations. The book goes on to argue that whilst control of MNCs involves regulation at the international level, more emphasis needs to be placed on possibilities at home States and host States where there are stronger bases for the control of corporations. It examines possibilities in the European Union, exploring ways in which the EU can ensure that MNCs from its territory do not violate human rights when operating abroad.

Corporate Social Responsibility, Human Rights and the Law examines the responsibilities of business enterprises for human rights from a legal perspective. It analyses the legal status of the ‘corporate responsibility to respect human rights’ as articulated by the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs). This concept currently reflects an international consensus and is promoted by the UN. The book contemplates the various founding perspectives of the UNGPs, and how the integration of notions such as ‘principled pragmatism’ and ‘polycentric governance’ within its framework provides insights into the future course of law and policy, compliance, and corporate respect for human rights. The book thus takes a global focus, examining the interaction of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), human rights, and the law in a broader global governance context. Setting out a possible future scenario for the legalization of the corporate responsibility to respect human rights that is informed by the UNGPs' founding perspectives and reflects current realities in the human rights landscape, this book will be of great interest to scholars of business ethics, international human rights law, and CSR more broadly.

Amidst the significant societal changes defining our time, the interplay between human rights, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility has become a global concern. These crucial elements have become a focal point in global discussions, demanding in-depth exploration. Issues such as the impact of business decisions on human rights, the rights of marginalized communities, and the formulation of policies for sustainability and social well-being underscore the urgency of understanding this intricate relationship. It is within this context that Bridging Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility: Pathways to a Sustainable Global Society is a vital resource. This book, drawing insights from law, social sciences, economics, and environmental studies, delves into the heart of these challenges, offering a comprehensive analysis that addresses the ethical and sustainable dimensions of our rapidly changing global landscape. To undertake a profound examination of the complex interplay between human rights, sustainability, and social responsibility, the book proposes an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates insights from various academic disciplines, including law, social sciences, economics, and environmental studies. It seeks to shed light on the essential role of human rights in supporting sustainable development and socially responsible behavior in societies undergoing rapid change. This study includes an in-depth examination of the rights of marginalized communities, an analysis of the impact of business on the preservation or violation of human rights, and an exploration of policy and legal frameworks that can simultaneously promote sustainability and enhance social well-being. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive framework for academics and experts in human rights, environmental science, public policy, and corporate social responsibility, making a significant contribution to the integration of diverse academic disciplines and fostering interdisciplinary inquiry and collaboration.

The world's leading companies have realized that success in the long term requires them not only to make an economic profit, but also to contribute to the societies in which they operate. As a result Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has moved to the top of the business agenda. Yet questions remain. Sceptics ask whether, provided an organization's activities conform to legislation, there is a business case for going beyond this. This unique Handbook from the Institute for Corporate Culture Affairs (ICCA) offers an invaluable combination of lessons learned and best practice for the future. It explores the general concept of CSR, investigates approaches to implementation and provides first-hand insights from well-known CEOs, academics and organizations. Above all it stresses the fact that CSR must spring from a corporate culture, implying values and norms which in themselves endorse sustainable ways of doing business. Without this shift of emphasis from shareholder returns to sustainable value, CSR can never be more than a diversion. Featuring contributions from Ben Verwaayen (CEO, BT Group), Fujio Mitarai (President and CEO, Canon), Sir Geoffrey Chandler (Founder, Amnesty International Business Group) and Yoshio Shirai (Managing Director, Toyota), as well as experiences from inside leading organizations like Volkswagen, Credit Suisse, The Body Shop and the UK Government, The ICCA Handbook of Corporate Social Responsibility showcases CEOs and companies that have seized the opportunities offered by CSR. It is intended to stimulate further exchange and development in the field. For now, it captures the state of the CSR art. The Board of Editors who have worked on this book include Katja Böhmer, Aron Ghebremariam, Judith Hennigfeld, Sandra S. Huble, Dirk Matten, Manfred Pohl, Nick Tolhurst & Wayne Visser

Over the last 30 years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a household term, reflecting a combination of factors that we have come to associate with that most catch-all of terms "globalization," including the widespread popular concern with such social issues as the environment and international human rights. Corporate Social Responsibility examines the history of the idea of business ethics (which goes back at least to ancient Mesopotamia) before exploring the state of CSR today. This book argues that a wide-ranging understanding of the purpose of business is necessary to create value for a community of stakeholders which in turn can generate a sustainable future. The book suggests that corporations still have a long way to go, but remains optimistic. The book’s sanguine interpretation of the current state of corporate affairs and a recommended way forward, results not only from the authors analysis, but also his direct experience. This book presents the case that we are in the midst of a major paradigm shift in our understanding of the purpose of business and that this new understanding holds much promise for business being a significant force for a more just and peaceful world. This work provides a concise overview of CSR and an important examination of the present and future work of the UN Global Compact and will be of interest to students of international organizations, international business and corporate social responsibility.

Corporate social responsibility codes are guidelines that companies voluntarily develop and publish with the objective of showing the public their commitment to respect human rights, to improve fundamental workplace standards worldwide and to protect the natural environment. These corporate codes have become a crucial element in the regulatory architecture for globally operating companies. By focusing on the characteristics of the codes, their effects on society and their legal consequences, this book seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of corporate codes and the law. Enforcing Corporate Social Responsibility Codes develops proposals on the relationship between global corporate self-regulation and the national private law systems. It uses methods of comparative law and sociological jurisprudence to argue that national private law can, and in fact should, enforce these codes as genuine legal obligations. The author formulates legal policy recommendations for English and German private law that indicate how the proposed legal enforcement could be realised in practice. The dissertation on which this book is based was awarded the second prize in the humanities category of the Deutscher Studienpreis (German Thesis Award) by the Koerber Foundation in November 2015.

The aim of this book is to present selected theoretical and practical aspects of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the journey (transition) from values to impact. Values play an important role in business world and they shape the responsible approach of organizations. However, pressing and still unresolved challenges of the present day show evidently that there exist significant discrepancies between organizations declarations on values and their real impact. COVID-19 pandemic, Globalization 4.0, climate catastrophe and challenges emphasized by SDGs, constitute the new environment that contemporary organizations face. In effect business is part of the problem and a solution as well. It is necessary to quickly and effectively push for action taking into account the power of responsible business to co-create human live and environment. Both the theoretical considerations and the practice-based studies presented in this monograph make a significant contribution to the theory and practice of management. The book is an extension and enrichment of the existing knowledge in the field of socially responsible management in organizations. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability will be of value to academics, researchers and advanced students in the fields of business and management, especially those interest in the intersection of management and CSR and sustainability, and those focusing the impact that business activities have on the environment.

This volume presents corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a series of economic and political strategies that are currently shifting the focus of international human rights activism and signalling the rise of new forms of global governance. In as much as the work demonstrates the limitations of CSR and offers a critical perspective on corporate techniques of market domination, it also posits a future for CSR within the human rights movement.

This book proposes that the responsible business practices of leading companies are significant not only as isolated instances of self-regulation, but that they also contribute to a broader rule-making process which has been underway in the last decade and is aimed at making business more responsive to human rights and environmental concerns. The flexibility of existing laws as well as the emergence of new regulations relevant to corporate social responsibility (CSR) are highlighted. As CSR increasingly interacts with public policy, some insufficiently understood effects of CSR appear that can help us advance toward more systemic solutions in the business and human rights area. This study identifies variables that states can stimulate through a wide range of interventions ranging from capacity-building measures to policy to hard law so that responsible practices get diffused more broadly and deeply in the business community. The intended audiences are legal experts with an interest in enhancing the protection of human rights in developing countries, and CSR theorists and practitioners mindful of the broader social dynamics that surround the implementation of CSR commitments.