A Commentary on ‘Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights and Business Schools' Responsibility to Teach It’

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Notes

See also Everett and Neu (2000), where the argument is made that the sustainability agenda should be more inclusive of social justice and human right concerns.

By human rights, the author appears to have in mind two particular notions, the rights to environment and development (p. 396). This list could be expanded. Weissbrodt and Kruger (2003), for example, include: the right to equality of opportunity and treatment, the security of persons, the rights of workers, the right to collective bargaining, the respect for laws, a balanced approach to intellectual property rights, transparency and the avoidance of corruption, respect for the right to health, the freedom of movement, consumer protection, and environmental protection.

This is not to say that change is not occurring. Small NGOs, some tiny, have had remarkable success in refocusing the attention of large corporations. The issue is whether business is currently facing a challenge.

Consider that Proctor and Gamble's suppliers, for example, number in tens of thousands.

Undoubtedly, many corporate leaders adopt these frameworks on account of a heartfelt need for change. There is little empirical evidence to suggest, however, that they are in the majority.