Corporate Citizenship: The role of companies as citizens of the modern world

Private companies and multinationals have been around since the beginning of recorded history. For both good and ill they have done an immense amount to shape human culture around the world. We have just come through a period in history when communist and socialist societies tried to eliminate or severely constrain private enterprise, but companies are now back, big time. Consequently, the question now is: ‘What is their role in our global economic and social system?’ Providing goods and services and making a profit for their shareholders are important, but in that process, they also have responsibilities to their stakeholders and the wider society. Companies are in fact corporate citizens of society; just as individuals are private citizens. They exercise certain rights but also have profound responsibilities. They have to step up as good citizens and use their power and influence to help humanity face the challenges of the future. This book discusses why and how they must do that as a step towards learning to live with modern capitalism.

Table of Contents:
Dedication Acknowledgements Preface PART 1: THE HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT Introduction Chapter 1: Private Companies Are Part of the Development of Human Culture The World’s First Multinationals The Early European Multinationals The Great Change of Direction Free Enterprise’s Other Critics Business Responds to the New World Order Chapter 2: The Resurgent For-Profit Sector Why Did It Make a Comeback? Wealth Creation Matters The Profit Motive Drives a Connection With Human Needs and Wants Governments and Non-Profits Are in Business Business Is More Than Just Making Profits Chapter 3: The Rise of a Global Social System Private Companies Help Complete the Mix of Social Institutions The Rise of the Non-Profit Sector The American Model? The Emergence of Stakeholder Theory The Emergence of Global Values Global Interconnectedness Chapter 4: The World Companies Now Live in Today’s Mix of Social Sectors Global Companies in the Global System Government The Non-Profit Sector The Informal Sector Chapter 5: Working Together? Interaction Already Happens Sector Cultures and Psychologies The Emotional Posture of Government The Emotional Posture of the Non-Profit Sector The Emotional Posture of the For-Profit Sector Collaboration is Hard Work PART 2: MANAGING THE COMPANY AS A CORPORATE CITIZEN Introduction Chapter 6: What is Corporate Citizenship? Defining Our Terms Companies and the Law Stakeholders and Corporate Citizenship Empowering Stakeholders The Wider Society Mapping the Scope of Corporate Citizenship Today Companies Are Human Institutions Chapter 7: Why Be a Good Citizen? Openness About Motives Is Vital Different Motives for ‘Doing the Right Thing’ The Founder’s Values Building the Business Saving Costs Promoting Mutual Benefits Unavoidable Challenges It is Just the Right Thing to Do The Importance of Values The Johnson & Johnson Credo The Values Cascade The Need for Openness About Performance Chapter 8: The Management Challenge Developing the Capacity to Contribute Companies As Agents of the Market Managing Citizenship Leadership From the Top An Internal Management Capacity Managing Transparency Working With Others Top-down or Bottom-up? Chapter 9: Corporate Citizenship and the Future of Capitalism Capitalism Is Back Capitalism and Good Citizenship Companies Need Manageable Priorities Companies As a Force for Good Corporate Citizenship As Part of Shaping a New Future Notes and References About the Author ?

About the Author :
David Logan is co-founder of Corporate Citizenship, the international consultancy widely regarded as a ‘one-stop shop’ for consulting on all aspects of corporate responsibility and sustainability. He has worked in the public, non-profit and private sectors and has 38 years of practical experience on frontline corporate responsibility and sustainability work. He is a graduate of London University, with a Masters in Philosophy and an Advanced Diploma in Education. He is an Associate Fellow at the Doughty Centre for Corporate Responsibility at Cranfield University in the UK.