1. One of the most discussed ideas about climate change is the free rider problem (responsibility diffusion/shirking), and that this problem is responsible for a vast amount of the environmental neglect. It is debatable whether it is the responsibility of businesses directly to manage their negative impacts (either directly or through supply chain), government to set good regulations to mitigate impacts in general, the consumer who purchases the products, or perhaps those who would benefit from the environmental improvement. Outline what you see as each group's responsibilities towards pollution reduction, and potential problems each may face in meeting their responsibility.
2. Have you ever had to deal with organisational norms or expectations which – in your view – were lacking in ethical integrity? If so, describe the situation, and what was wrong about it. Also, be sure to reflect upon any pressures and challenges associated with loyalty, conformity, and moral courage. Regardless of how you coped with the situation at the time, explain what you now consider to be the best way in which you could have dealt with it.
3. Galbraith, in his article "the dependence effect" argues that there is something perverse about manufacturing desires rather than simply satisfying them. He specifically refers to production creating the wants that it seeks to satisfy, one persons possession becomes their neighbours wish (this idea can be traced back to Keynes and Veblen before him). Galbraith is particularly critical of advertising, which has the role (among many others) of manufacturing a desire where there was none previously. Should there be limitations on the kinds of "manufactured desires" advertisers create, and why?
4. Multinational corporations have arguably the hardest job ethically when it comes to issues of global corporate social responsibility. Should corporations simply adhere to the law governing which ever country they happen to be operating in, or do they have a larger responsibility that should be consistent and cohesive, across all their operations, regardless of the country in which those operations are conducted?
Expert answer
Multinational corporations (MNCs) face unique challenges when it comes to global corporate social responsibility (CSR). On the one hand, MNCs are expected to adhere to the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. On the other hand, there is an increasing expectation that MNCs will adopt a consistent and cohesive approach to CSR across all their operations, regardless of the country in which those operations are conducted.
The challenge for MNCs is to strike a balance between these two competing demands. On the one hand, they need to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations. On the other hand, they need to develop and implement a CSR strategy that is appropriate for their business and that meets the expectations of their employees, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
The first step for MNCs is to identify the most important CSR issues that are relevant to their business. Once these issues have been identified, MNCs need to develop a CSR strategy that takes into account the unique challenges and opportunities that they face. This strategy should be designed to help MNCs meet their legal obligations and also to make a positive contribution to society.
MNCs need to be aware of the different approaches that countries take to CSR. In some countries, CSR is seen as a voluntary activity that is undertaken by businesses in addition to their compliance with laws and regulations. In other countries, CSR is seen as an integral part of doing business and is subject to government regulation.
MNCs also need to be aware of the different stakeholders that they need to engage with in order to implement their CSR strategy effectively. These stakeholders include employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, governments and NGOs.
Engaging with these stakeholders will help MNCs to understand the expectations that they face and to develop a CSR strategy that meets those expectations. It will also help MNCs to build relationships of trust and mutual respect with their stakeholders.
MNCs need to remember that their CSR strategy should be designed to meet the needs of their business. It should not be seen as a purely philanthropic activity. Instead, it should be seen as an investment in the future of the business and its ability to prosper in a global economy.
When designing their CSR strategy, MNCs need to consider how they can add value to their business. They also need to think about how their CSR strategy can help them to achieve their business goals.
MNCs should remember that they have a responsibility to shareholders as well as other stakeholders. Shareholders are entitled to know how the company is managing its CSR activities and what impact these activities are having on the company’s bottom line.
MNCs also need to be transparent about their CSR activities. They should report on their progress regularly and make sure that information about their CSR strategy and activities is readily available to their stakeholders.
MNCs need to be prepared to make changes to their CSR strategy as their business environment changes. They also need to review their strategy periodically to make sure that it is still fit for purpose.
MNCs should not see CSR as a cost or a burden. Instead, they should see it as an opportunity to improve their business and create value for their shareholders and other stakeholders.
When done properly, CSR can help MNCs to build a better world for all of us.
Multinational corporations (MNCs) face unique challenges when it comes to global corporate social responsibility (CSR). On the one hand, MNCs are expected to adhere to the laws and regulations of the countries in which they operate. On the other hand, there is an increasing expectation that MNCs will adopt a consistent and cohesive approach to CSR across all their operations, regardless of the country in which those operations are conducted.
The challenge for MNCs is to strike a balance between these two competing demands. On the one hand, they need to ensure that they comply with all applicable laws and regulations. On the other hand, they need to develop and implement a CSR strategy that is appropriate for their business and that meets the expectations of their employees, customers, shareholders and other stakeholders.
The first step for MNCs is to identify the most important CSR issues that are relevant to their business. Once these issues have been identified, MNCs need to develop a CSR strategy that takes into account the unique challenges and opportunities that they face. This strategy should be designed to help MNCs meet their legal obligations and also to make a positive contribution to society.
MNCs need to be aware of the different approaches that countries take to CSR. In some countries, CSR is seen as a voluntary activity that is undertaken by businesses in addition to their compliance with laws and regulations. In other countries, CSR is seen as an integral part of doing business and is subject to government regulation.
MNCs also need to be aware of the different stakeholders that they need to engage with in order to implement their CSR strategy effectively. These stakeholders include employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, governments and NGOs.
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