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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Cubie L.L. Lau, Cliff D. Fisher, John F. Hulpke, William Aidan Kelly and Susanna Taylor

Essays on social responsibility call the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) “by far the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative”. The authors look at two avenues to…

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Abstract

Purpose

Essays on social responsibility call the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) “by far the world’s largest corporate responsibility initiative”. The authors look at two avenues to encourage responsible business behavior. First, at law, where law is not the answer and, second, at the UNGC. This paper aims to increase awareness of the UNGC, an umbrella organization supporting corporate good conduct.

Findings

The goal is to make corporations socially responsible. Law by nature addresses misconduct. The UNGC is more positive, encouraging responsible behavior in ten areas. The UNGC could be more effective. The authors suggest that social media and management education can help the UNGC positively impact corporate behavior.

Practical implications

The UNGC represents a significant opportunity. If the UNGC lives up to its potential, corporate misconduct may be lessened and corporate good behavior could be publicized, rewarded and increased.

Originality/value

The time has come to let readers start thinking about the UNGC and its goals. This can help bring greater social responsibility in tomorrow’s businesses.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Anna Zinenko, Maria Rosa Rovira and Ivan Montiel

The aim of this paper is to discuss how ISO 26000 fits within two predominant corporate social responsibility (CSR) instruments, GRI and UNGC. The past two decades have witnessed…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss how ISO 26000 fits within two predominant corporate social responsibility (CSR) instruments, GRI and UNGC. The past two decades have witnessed considerable changes in the CSR field with the introduction of new voluntary CSR instruments. Organizations adopting such tools may perceive some of the existing and emerging CSR instruments as redundant or complementary.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationships between the CSR instruments analysed are treated through the lenses of institutional entrepreneurship and coopetition theories. The analysis presented is based on secondary data such as literature reviews, publications and online resources and databases from the UNGC, GRI and ISO as well as personal communications with representatives of ISO, GRI and UNGC.

Findings

The paper shows that from the users’ perspective, CSR instruments should not be treated as separate alternatives, but rather as complementary to each other. At the same time, organizations that set up CSR instruments have to strengthen their existing collaboration as a network, in order to contribute more effectively to sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

The use of secondary data to discuss some of the ISO 26000 diffusion trends might provide an incomplete picture but still offer interesting insights.

Practical implications

This study allows to better understand the linkages, overlaps and differences between three CSR instruments: UNGC, GRI and ISO 26000. At first sight, some of these instruments may appear as redundant but our analysis points out that they complement each other. They have different goals and are useful in different parts of one organization’s CSR infrastructure. These instruments help organizations to implement different CSR tools at different stages of integrating sustainability issues into their strategies and operations.

Originality/value

CSR instruments have mainly been examined separately by scholars. In contrast, this study analyses ISO 26000, UNGC and GRI as a collaborative mechanism and predicts the fit of ISO 26000 within these well-established CSR instruments. The main contribution of this study is an in-depth analysis of the relationships between organizations that are developing and promoting prominent CSR instruments. In addition, we apply organizational theories to our analysis as a novel perspective. This study contributes to institutional entrepreneurship theory by showing how organizations playing the role of institutional entrepreneurs may encourage the early adoption of a new CSR instrument. It also contributes to the coopetition theory by applying this approach outside the traditional business setting.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 June 2021

Matteo Podrecca, Marco Sartor and Guido Nassimbeni

In a world characterised by increasing environmental and social awareness, the number of corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives has significantly grown…

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Abstract

Purpose

In a world characterised by increasing environmental and social awareness, the number of corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives has significantly grown. Among these, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is one of the most important, involving more than 12,000 companies. The purpose of this study is to investigate the UNGC’s worldwide diffusion, both at country and industry level, to understand the reasons leading to the highlighted dissemination patterns, and to propose various future projections.

Design/methodology/approach

The study pursues its objectives by applying the logistic curve model to data provided by the United Nations. The analysis is complemented by adopting instability and concentration indexes.

Findings

Results suggest that, while human rights and environmental safeguard in some areas and industries will remain a controversial issue, UNGC adoption will continue growing and giving the participants the required legitimacy to compete in worldwide markets.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that analyses the UNGC’s worldwide diffusion and proposes a prediction model for its future dissemination. The findings are of considerable importance in extending the knowledge of the initiative and in understanding the potential values of its adoption.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 July 2017

Michel Coulmont, Sylvie Berthelot and Marc-Antoine Paul

The purpose of this study is to document the concrete practices put in place by United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) affiliated firms and their application of the UNGC

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to document the concrete practices put in place by United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) affiliated firms and their application of the UNGC Communication on Progress (COP).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the practices implemented by firms on the Fortune 500 list that have affiliated with the UNGC and issued a COP separate from their annual report or a sustainable development report. According to the UNGC, the COP policy sets out a description of practical actions the company has taken or plans to take to implement the ten principles.

Findings

The findings tend to show that firms affiliated with the UNGC use a variety of practices to integrate these principles. Many adopt policies based on an international standard relating to a UNGC principle. However, the reporting process supported by the UNGC does not seem to fully promote the widespread application of these practices.

Originality/value

The documentation of these practices will serve as a reference for any business interested in adopting the UNGC principles or for government and non-government organisations, including accounting standard setters, aiming to promote and support the universal principles on human rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption. In addition, the study reveals weaknesses in the UNGC COP policy that could limit more extensive application of these practices.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2018

Michel Coulmont, Kamille Lambert and Sylvie Berthelot

Despite the global nature of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), a platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible and sustainable corporate policies and…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the global nature of the UN Global Compact (UNGC), a platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible and sustainable corporate policies and practices, the participation of organisations is unequally distributed across societies. This paper aims to explore the relationship between national cultures, as defined by Hofstede, and organisations voluntarily affiliating with the UNGC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study tests the relationship between national culture and firm affiliation with the UNGC using data derived from Hofstede’s works and information available on the UNGC website and other websites and accounting databases, covering 282 firms in 30 countries on 4 continents.

Findings

The results indicate that firms in countries with high individualism or high masculinity rankings are more likely to affiliate with the UNGC. In addition, organisations in countries with less uncertainty avoidance, short-term orientation and high restraint are also more likely to affiliate with the UNGC.

Originality/value

The results are interesting for initiatives like the UNGC. The development strategies and democratisation tools developed by this initiative will have to take into account the specific cultural features of different countries.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 14 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 July 2020

Marina Mattera and Carmen Alba Ruiz-Morales

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception of CSR policies and the implementation of UNGC management model in firms operating at a national and an international level…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception of CSR policies and the implementation of UNGC management model in firms operating at a national and an international level. Specifically, in the framework of stakeholder theory, this work explores the relation between internationalization and the usage of UNGC management model in the design and implementation of successful CSR strategies. By doing so, new insights on CSR management to gain competitive advantage are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study analyzes impact of internationalization in their sustainability performance, as well as the relationship between the usage of the UNGC management model and the firm's sustainability performance. To achieve this goal, the Spanish firms subscribing to the UNGC were evaluated following the tenth anniversary of the Spanish UNGC Chapter's inauguration. Both internationalized companies and companies only operating at a national level were evaluated, first through a survey, followed by a focus group and lastly a qualitative analysis of their CSR performance reports.

Findings

Findings show that perception of CSR performance and relevance allocated to CSR matters is consistent with the firms' practices. However, internationalization does not hold a relation with the companies' performance in sustainability matters as expected due to a series of factors. Similarly, the implementation of the UNGC management model does not correlate to the firm's perception and performance. The virtuous cycle can be created by honoring the social contract, yet the tools and management models shall be further tailored to ensure an effective win-win situation.

Originality/value

This study evaluates a company's perception and strategic involvement in sustainability, considering the UNGC 10 principles and SDG. Specifically, the role of internationalization and usage of the UNGC management model are evaluated. Consequently, researchers studying business strategy can incorporate the findings in strategic planning. Practitioners can learn the implications of CSR strategic planning using the UNGC management model and the limitations of this tool, to ensure sustainable growth of their firms. Moreover, work illustrates corporate results in sustainability matters after the first decade of the UNGC management model implementation in a specific UNGC Chapter.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 October 2016

Michael Schwartz and Debra R. Comer

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s creation of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in 1999 inspired great hopes. As we explain, however, the noble initiatives of…

Abstract

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s creation of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) in 1999 inspired great hopes. As we explain, however, the noble initiatives of the UNGC are undermined by the arms industry. Arms are expensive. The expenditure on arms diverts a nation’s “resources from ‘productive’ to ‘unproductive’ ends.” The arms industry is a major employer in most arms manufacturing nations. It generates much needed revenue for those countries. Therefore, attempts at thwarting the supply of arms are doomed to failure. Instead of halting the supply of arms, we argue as to the advantages of restraining the demand for arms. Michael Walzer is the only moral philosopher who has considered the ethics of appeasement. We explore Walzer’s arguments for appeasement and consider how a United Nations Secretary-General could appease those nations demanding arms. In doing so, the UN Secretary-General would make it possible for the UNGC to achieve what was initially envisaged for the UNGC.

Details

The Contribution of Love, and Hate, to Organizational Ethics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78635-503-4

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 28 January 2015

W. Travis Selmier

This chapter discusses the influence of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) 10 Principles on multinational mining companies’ (mining multinational enterprise (MNE)) corporate…

Abstract

Purpose

This chapter discusses the influence of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) 10 Principles on multinational mining companies’ (mining multinational enterprise (MNE)) corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities and strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Business ethics, mining management, CSR, stakeholder, and social contracting literatures are integrated with case vignettes to examine the UNGC’s role in motivating efficacious, benevolent CSR in mining.

Findings

Mining industry groups and some mining MNEs have adopted and fully implemented UNGC principles while other mining MNEs have not. The variation manifests as a gap between CSR form and CSR substance. Mining industry bodies such as International Council for Mining and Minerals, stakeholders, and private monitors have increased pressure to narrow this gap. The UNGC acts as a catalyst to create and codify valid hypernorms and to build trust and managerial buy-in in mining MNEs’ CSR.

Research limitations/implications

Reliance on selected cases and extant literature indicates, but does not fully support, conclusions.

Practical implications

Mining MNEs are advised to pursue CSR activities which integrate social contracting and precepts of the UNGC. The results would be happier, less antagonistic to stakeholder communities, and less questioning of mining MNEs’ legitimacy.

Originality/value of the chapter

This chapter integrates above-mentioned literature and cases to advise academics, governance officials and private monitors, and mining MNE managers on effective integration of the UNGC into mining through social contracting.

Details

The UN Global Compact: Fair Competition and Environmental and Labour Justice in International Markets
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-295-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2007

William M. O’Keefe

Little attention has been given by researchers to the participant progress reporting database established by the UNGC to function as a transparent and easily accessible repository…

Abstract

Little attention has been given by researchers to the participant progress reporting database established by the UNGC to function as a transparent and easily accessible repository of program information and ready source of best practices for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) participants across the globe. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current database utilization practices of Compact participant organizations in the South American Region and identify steps that can be taken to enrich the dialogue and exchange of best practices among member organizations. For purposes of this study, only those South American countries with Company and Small and Mid‐Size Enterprise (SME) members were included. Due to the rapid rate of change in UNGC membership, the analysis was limited to the documents and links posted on the database as of September 10, 2006. Data analysis was done by country, followed by a detailed analysis of the reporting practices of the two countries with the largest membership, Argentina and Brazil. This study found that four of the ten nations with UNGC membership, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru account for 434 of the 482 Company and SME members. Organizations in Brazil led the way to membership growth at the establishment of the Global Compact in 2000, followed by significant growth in membership across the region in 2003 and 2004. Argentina has the highest proportion of active members (51%), followed by Chile (36%), and then Brazil (26%). Peru has experienced the highest rate of inactivity, with 41 of its 57 member organizations, all of whom joined in 2004, having been recently declared “Non‐Communicating” by Compact administration. The comparative analysis of Brazil and Argentina COP reporting practices reveals that the UNGC members in Argentina, with a 51% reporting rate, have universally adopted a short standardized easy‐to‐read reporting format, while those in Brazil, with a 26% reporting rate, utilize a diverse range of reporting formats involving much longer and more detailed CSR‐related reports. There just 27% of the 33 members posted reports utilizing Portuguese exclusively, while 81 % of the 95 Argentina members utilize Spanish only. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings on the fostering more effective utilization of the UNGC database in order to help member organizations in South America make Corporate Social Responsibility an integral part of their business strategy.

Details

Social Responsibility Journal, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-1117

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Responsible Investment Around the World: Finance after the Great Reset
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-851-0

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