Multinational Corporations, Technology Spillovers and Human Rights's Impacts on Developing Countries

This paper stems from the recognition that, in the current globalized world, the achievement of economic development goals is not necessarily accompanied by improved social conditions, or respect of people?s human rights more generally. Through their internal resources and capabilities, which often exceed those of many developing countries, Multinational Corporations (MNCs) can either positively or negatively condition their route towards development. While there are reported cases of positive economic effects generated by MNCs operations in developing countries, there is also plenty of evidence about MNCs involvement in human rights' abuses in these countries. To date, no scholarly research has analysed the factors that favour a positive (negative) MNC effect on host developing countries, by looking jointly at economic and human rights? impacts. This paper is a first attempt to take into account and integrate evidence coming from two distinct streams of literature, which have so far poorly interacted -- i.e. studies on MNCs' economic impact with a focus on technology spillovers; and studies on MNCs' human rights? impact on host developing countries.Multinational corporations, development, human rights, technology spillovers

Corporate social responsibility, multinational corporations and the law in Nigeria: controlling multinationals in host states

Copyright @ School of Oriental and African Studies.There is a general perception that home jurisdictions in vulnerable areas are powerless when it comes to the control of multinational corporations. While this assertion is largely correct, this article argues that there cannot be effective control of multinational corporations (“MNCs”) at international, regional or private level without the corresponding development of an effective minimum institutional framework at the domestic level. This article examines the Nigerian legal framework for the regulation of MNCs with a view to underlining the weaknesses in the domestic forum, and also examines the prospects for enhancing the capacity of a domestic framework for the effective control of MNCs. The article argues that, while corporate social responsibility practice by MNCs is becoming well entrenched, this development cannot replace the need for effective host state regulation. The article focuses on company law and human rights law and suggests viable possibilities within the local context that may enhance the control of MNCs

Anti-Corruption as Strategic CSR: A Call to Action for Corporations

Corruption is not a peripheral social concern that corporations can ignore or passively address -- it is a bottom-line issue that directly affects companies' ability to compete. Widespread in emerging markets, corruption is becoming an increasingly important issue for business to address. Furthermore, it inflicts enduring harm on disadvantaged populations by diverting resources for critical services like education, clean water and health care into the pockets of dishonest public officials. This white paper presents a critical assessment of corporate anti-corruption efforts in the developing world and offers a guide for corporations to move beyond traditional ethics and compliance activities to strategic anti-corruption efforts. Sponsored by The Merck Company Foundation and developed in collaboration with the Ethics Resource Center, the paper reveals opportunities for corporations to engage in more comprehensive and effective anti-corruption reform as a business imperative

Three Lenses on the Multinational Enterprise: Politics, Corruption and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Scholars who study multinational enterprises (MNEs) recognize the complex relationship between international business and society. However, compared to other international business topics, research on politics, corruption and corporate social responsibility (CSR) -- three 'lenses' on the MNE -- remains somewhat embryonic, with critical unresolved issues regarding frameworks, measurement, methods and theory. This creates rich opportunities for integration and extension of disciplinary perspectives, which we explore in this article. Building on the three lenses framework, we identify common concepts and tools, outline an agenda for additional theoretical and empirical research, and review the papers in a Focused Issue of the Journal of International Business Studies.

How Do Multinational Corporations Creatively Address D&I Initiatives Through Corporate Social Responsibility?

Question: What are the indicators of a world class Diversity &Inclusion (D&I) program? How do these correlate to business results? Revised Question: How do multinational corporations (MNCs) creatively address D&I initiatives through cultural competence and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Ethics and taxation : a cross-national comparison of UK and Turkish firms

This paper investigates responses to tax related ethical issues facing busines

Corporate liability for environmental harm

Book synopsis; This wide-ranging and comprehensive Handbook examines recent developments in international environmental law (IEL) and the crossover effects of this expansion on other areas of public law, such as trade law and law of the sea. The contributors offer analysis on foundational issues in IEL, such as responsibility for environmental damage, sustainable development and the precautionary principle, alongside studies in topical subject areas like marine protection and the law of international watercourses

Emergent state practice on the creation and practice of standards on corporate social responsibility

This article examines the emerging State practice on the evolving corporate social responsibility (CSR) standard. It examines its public international law instruments and particularly analyses the role of States in the development of CSR norms and the potential of these norms to impact the recognition, promotion and protection of human rights. The article also assesses the UN effort to consolidate the standards that have emerged from soft law instruments in public international law, focusing on the Ruggie’s process and its potential impact on the future development of the law and practice in this area. The article shows an emerging convergence of standards and practices and coherence on certain themes that could ultimately lead to the establishment of stronger international norms on CSR. A key example is human rights standards for corporations regarding their activities in host States