LT presupposes a relationship of reciprocal understanding between different parties (see for example the discussions of contractarian theory, e.g. in Donaldson and Dunfee (1994))* A particular feature of LT is the assumption of a social contract (expressed or implied) between an organisation and society (see for example Shocker and Sethi (1974) and Donaldson (1982)). It is from the idea of a contract that the idea of reciprocal responsibility arises. Organisations "agree" to operate within certain bounds imposed by society in order to enjoy continued access to product and resource markets. Although much of the emphasis is placed on the organisation acting legitimately, the nature of a contract is, by definition, two sided.