Details
The changing social expectations of corporations within a globalised economic environment are challenging our traditional conception of the proper commercial function. This text delimits their emergent roles and responsibilities under international law.
International Documents on Corporate Responsibility includes the principal international, regional and national instruments drafted by intergovernmental organisations or states as well as codes of conduct formulated by industry associations, trade unions and non-governmental organisations. The coverage includes the fields of human rights, international criminal and environmental law, labour standards, international trade, armed conflict, sustainable development, corruption, consumer protection and corporate governance. Each document is accompanied by a brief explanatory commentary outlining the historical origins of the instrument, the principal actors involved, controversial negotiation issues, applicable implementation procedure, and identifies further reference material.
This comprehensive compilation of materials dating from the 1970s to the present day in one single readily-accessible and fully-indexed volume will be of interest to students and researchers of corporate responsibility, as well as corporate executives, government officials, legal practitioners, tertiary institutions, business associations, trade unions and NGO activists.
Preface
Part I: International Instruments
Part II: Regional Instruments
Part III: National Instruments
Part IV: Instruments for the International Protection of Human Rights
Part V: International Labour Standards
Part VI: International Environmental Standards
Part VII: Sustainable Development
Part VIII: Roles and Responsibilities in Zones of Conflict
Part IX: International Criminal Law
Part X: Corruption, Bribery and Extortion
Part XI: General Business Principles
Part XII: Additional Instruments
Part XIII: Reporting and Accounting Initiatives
Index
Edited by Stephen Tully, formerly Law Department, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK
'In many ways, beyond being an important reference resource, the book’s significance is in its very being – the fact that codes of corporate responsibility are being compiled demonstrates an acknowledgement of their value.’
– Bill Baue, SocialFunds.com
‘All those concerned with this debate will be extremely grateful to Stephen Tully for saving us many hours of irritation searching the web for documents that we know exist, but which remain tantalisingly unobtainable. Furthermore, he has usefully grouped the documents into sections. . . The editor’s commentaries throughout the book are clear, succinct and, together with the texts, an invaluable source for an emerging area of study. I will certainly use this book both for my own research and to recommend to students.’
– Janet Dine, Journal of Business Law
‘Tully accompanies each document with a most useful explanatory commentary which outlines the historical origins of the instrument, the principal players, controversial negotiation issues, applicable implementation procedures and detailed additional reference materials. What we have here is an easily accessible fully indexed volume of materials dating from the 1970s which covers a very wide readership from students and academics to corporate executives, legal practitioners and government officials.’
– Phillip Taylor, The Barrister
‘International Documents on Corporate Responsibility is an invaluable tool for all those interested in corporate responsibility. This collection of texts – enriched by the editor's insightful commentaries – provides a unique and compelling appreciation of the depth and extent of corporate responsibilities. Practitioners will use it as a guide; scholars and activists as a reference.’
– Franck Amalric, Center for Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, University of Zürich, Switzerland
‘Stephen Tully has rigorously assembled a comprehensive range of international documents on corporate responsibility, ranging from international law to multi-stakeholder initiatives. By giving due regard to initiatives across a wide spectrum of origins and time-scales, the compilation will broaden the perspective of even the most well-read corporate responsibility practitioner, scholar, or activist. A very helpful preface and concise commentary on each document provide an important framework for the occasionally daunting number of sources and texts. The volume successfully contributes to defining the parameters of corporate responsibility and it also provides impetus to rationalising and strengthening existing corporate responsibility initiatives.’
– Ralph Hamann, African Institute of Corporate Citizenship, South Africa
‘Mr Tully has made a valuable contribution to all those working in the area of corporate social responsibility by providing a volume that captures applicable international law all in one place.’
– Aron Cramer, CEO, Business for Social Responsibility (BSR)
