To read this content please select one of the options below:

Perceived mobility of impact: global elites and the bono effect

Lynne Andersson (Fox School of Business, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA)
Lisa Calvano (College of Business & Public Affairs, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA)

Critical Perspectives on International Business

ISSN: 1742-2043

Article publication date: 5 May 2015

753

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the globally mobile elite (GME) uses its capital and networks to create a perception that market-driven solutions to social problems are superior to the efforts of government and civil society.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on a number of emerging literatures, the authors introduce and develop the concept of the “perceived mobility of impact” and use the case of the “Bono effect” to illustrate how this phenomenon is enacted. The authors then employ a critical lens to challenge the consequences of this perceived mobility of impact.

Findings

Global elites use their mobility to generate network capital, which in conjunction with celebrity affinity for global humanitarian causes builds a self-reinforcing consensus and legitimizes market-driven solutions to social problems. While this approach may make the GME feel generous about their contribution, it raises questions about accountability and representation in shaping global social policy.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the burgeoning literature on the GME, offering a unique critical perspective on their motives and actions, and introduces the concept of ‘perceived mobility of impact’.

Keywords

Citation

Andersson, L. and Calvano, L. (2015), "Perceived mobility of impact: global elites and the bono effect", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 122-136. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-10-2012-0046

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles