Business leaders can have a substantial impact as unlikely allies when
they speak up on issues such as climate change and working conditions.
They can shift norms and gradually isolate those who do not participate.
(OLIVIERA and SIMMONs: 2002, p. 80.)
In response to the question: Can the needs of society be met through the wealth
creation provided by global capitalism? The ASPEN INSTITUTE’s discussions
conclude:
No, not yet – as the foundation for the alignment between
shareholder value and social wealth is almost entirely lacking. The global
rules of the game for business are dangerously nascent. We’ve globalized
the private sector, but we have not globalized the values and institutions
of global governance. This situation runs the risk of eroding the rules of
the game in individual countries, even in developed countries.
… The framework in fact defines a category of action where corporations
cannot and will not work alone to achieve social progress. Yet rather than
foreclose business as an actor, this framework illustrates the need and
potential for multiple stakeholders – including businesses – to agitate and
collaborate for change. (ASPEN INSTITUTE: 2001.)
This multi-stakeholder approach is spreading and is evidenced in a number of
regional and global initiatives like the Business Enviromental Leadership Council,
The Global Reporting Initiative, The Prince of Wales International Business Leaders
Forum, The Social Venture Network, Ethos in Brazil and MAALA in Israel,
Transparency International, etc. But as the quote above reveals, business alone is not
willing or able to address the global challenges and injustices brought about by
economic globalization.
It is becoming increasingly clear that civil society is organizing effectively to
ensure that companies that pollute and destroy the environment and that operate
outside legally established labor codes are having a harder time doing business as
usual. More effective partnerships between companies and civil society is also
increasing the knowledge and trust between the sectors. This is not to underestimate
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