Overview

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

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9780199678327

Table of Contents

Reviews

'The content is strong, relevant, and well crafted. A most comprehensive range of international examples are used throughout.' Gary Martin, University of Ulster 'I think this textbook is the best for students studying corporate responsibility. An aspect that I particularly value is the level of critical engagement - it makes for a more interesting read.' David Worham, University of the West of England '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.' Kleio Akrivou, University of Reading

Author Information

Michael Blowfield is Senior Research Fellow at the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment where he researches business transformation in an era of climate change and resource constrained economies. Alan Murray is the Hoare Chair in Responsible Management at Winchester University. He founded the British Academy of Management Special Interest Group in Corporate Responsibility in 2007.

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