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The social irresponsibility of international business: A novel conceptualization

International Business and Sustainable Development

ISBN: 978-1-78190-989-8, eISBN: 978-1-78190-990-4

Publication date: 4 January 2014

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter develops a novel conceptualization of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) and identifies possible avenues for further research in the international business (IB) and related fields.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual chapter examining the existing definitions of CSI and proposing a classification of irresponsible behaviours using an international law approach.

Findings

The concept of CSI has been weakly conceptualized and measured so far. We improve this by distinguishing between unethical conduct bearing no direct impact on human rights and those behaviours that do entail a human rights impact. Next, we classify human rights abuses in two categories based on whether they entail the violation of a derogable or a non-derogable human right. Finally, we make a distinction between direct and indirect irresponsible actions. These distinctions are also illustrated empirically.

Originality/value

This chapter bridges the gap between IB, management and international law research on human rights or else defined irresponsible behaviours. Our novel conceptualization of CSI can help to better address unanswered questions about factors driving CSI in IB firms.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement

We would like to thank Rob van Tulder and Emanuele Sommario for comments on an earlier draft of this chapter. All omissions and errors are our responsibility.

Citation

Giuliani, E., Macchi, C. and Fiaschi, D. (2014), "The social irresponsibility of international business: A novel conceptualization", International Business and Sustainable Development (Progress in International Business Research, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 141-171. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1745-8862(2013)0000008012

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2013 Emerald Group Publishing Limited