Corporate Social Responsibility and the Shaping of Global Public Policy (Political Evolution and Institutional Change) [Hardcover]

Matthew J. Hirschland (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1403974535 | ISBN-13: 978-1403974532 | Publication Date: December 12, 2006

This book introduces readers to the dynamic networks made up of businesses, NGOs and multilateral organizations that, for better and for worse, define corporate social responsibility (CSR) today. It examines the work of these CSR networks that are taking on the "heavy-lifting" of global governance in places where traditional public policy and international law fail to provide basic protection for people and the natural environment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"At a time when social contracts globally need reinvention, my BSR colleague Matt Hirschland's book is an extremely welcome arrival.  If we are to create the sustainable and just world we seek, we have much to gain from fostering the global public policy networks he describes. His book will undoubtedly make a lasting and valued contribution to the way we think about global governance gaps and more importantly, the way we shape solutions."
--Aron Cramer, CEO, Business for Social Responsibility

"Corporate Social Responsibility and the Shaping of Global Public Policy refreshingly addresses the strengths and limits of contemporary corporate social responsibility (CSR) by describing in detail the rich networks that have grown up in the last decade to support and drive business sustainability. With his comprehensive and useful survey of the CSR landscape, Hirschland deepens our understanding of the concerns raised in business schools, board rooms, and management meetings about the scalability, desirability and impact of companies taking on daunting social and environmental challenges. This book should be mandatory reading for MBA students and aware business leaders alike."--Kellie McElhaney, Director, Center for Responsible Business, Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley

"Hirschland offers a probing, lucid exploration of the most urgent global governance issue we face:  In the 21st century, who will provide urgently needed public goods--human rights, environmental stewardship, transparency--and under what accountability mechanisms? The simple answer--government no longer suffices. Business and civil society are in ascendance in an increasingly complex landscape. Hirschland's rich insights are the basis for both understanding and hope."
--Allen White, Senior Fellow, Tellus Institute and Co-founder of the Global Reporting Initiative
 
"Matthew Hirschland's Corporate Social Responsibility and the Shaping of Global Public Policy, is a fascinating book.  In the context of the growing pressures of internationalization and globalization, many believe that the nation state is losing its ability to control huge multi-national corporations. The consequence, they fear, is that competitive pressures will force these companies to shirk their social, environmental, and public responsibilities. Hirschland demonstrates that even many of the world's top companies are worried about this 'tragedy of the commons.' Perhaps more surprisingly, he demonstrates that many of them are willing to do something about it. This book examines the ways in which multi-national corporations and non-governmental organizations are attempting (and not always succeeding) to shape, constrain and sometimes improve the world they increasingly dominate. This book should be required reading in Davos."
--Sven Steinmo, Department of Political Science, University of Colorado, Boulder and author of Growing Apart? America and her Neighbors in a Globalizing World

About the Author

Matthew Hirschland is a consultant with McKinsey & Co. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (December 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403974535
• ISBN-13: 978-1403974532
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,417,878 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars THE CSR Source - a view from the inside, August 14, 2008

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sustainable wonk (europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Corporate Social Responsibility and the Shaping of Global Public Policy (Political Evolution and Institutional Change) (Hardcover)

This book clearly lays it out - what CSR, sustainability are all about including its power, potential and shortcomings. Written by an insider, it lays bare why business alone cannot or should not provide key human rights and environmental protections. In so doing the book makes you ask - where are governments and what is their proper role? Great read, great insights.