The Market for Virtue: The Potential And Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility (Paperback)

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Key Phrases: business case for virtue, more responsible firms, global corporate citizenship, United States, Levi Strauss, Home Depot (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Here is the definitive guide to what corporate social responsibility can and cannot accomplish in a modern capitalist economy." -- Robert B. Reich, University Professor of social and economic policy, Brandeis University, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor

"Here is the definitive guide to what corporate social responsibility can and cannot accomplish in a modern capitalist economy." --Robert B. Reich, University Professor of social and economic policy, Brandeis University, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor

"The study combines sound logic with illustrative cases, and advances the sophistication of the CSR debate considerably." -- John G. Ruggie, Harvard University, co-architect of UN Global Compact

"The study combines sound logic with illustrative cases, and advances the sophistication of the CSR debate considerably." --John G. Ruggie, Harvard University, co-architect of UN Global Compact

"Vogel brings a refreshing breath of fresh air and objective reporting to a polarized debate." -- Robert N. Stavins in Environment, April 2006

"Vogel provides needed clarity about the costs, benefits, ambiguities and potential of corporate social responsibility." -- Susan Ariel Aaronson, senior fellow, Kenan Institute at the University of North Carolina

"Vogel provides needed clarity about the costs, benefits, ambiguities and potential of corporate social responsibility." --Susan Ariel Aaronson, senior fellow, Kenan Institute at the University of North Carolina --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

In the highly praised The Market for Virtue, David Vogel presents a clear, balanced analysis of the contemporary corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement in the United States and Europe. In this updated paperback edition, Vogel discusses recent CSR initiatives and responds to new developments in the CSR debate. He asserts that while the movement has achieved success in improving some labor, human rights, and environmental practices in developing countries, there are limits to improving corporate conduct without more extensive and effective government regulation. Put simply, Vogel believes that there is a market for virtue, but it is limited by the substantial costs of socially responsible business behavior.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: Brookings Institution Press (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0815790775
• ISBN-13: 978-0815790778
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #228,299 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book on the Subject, October 6, 2005

By	James J. O'toole "James O'Toole" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Market For Virtue: The Potential And Limits Of Corporate Social Responsibility (Hardcover)

Vogel's THE MARKET FOR VIRTUE is a balanced and objective review of the many activites that fall under the rubric of "corporate social responsibility." He convincingly shows that these are over-ballyhooed by their enthusiasts, and over-disparaged by their critics. In fact, they make useful, albeit marginal, contributions to the welfare of communities and society. He draws useful distinctions between the many different manifestations of CSR, and offers thoughtful metrics for evaluating them. He cites literally hundreds of examples, and helps the reader to think about them in a rigorous and disciplined way. This is a must-read for corporate executives and business students.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable resource offering a serious-minded, in-depth discussion of a complex issue, January 5, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Written by Professor of Business Ethics (Haas School of Business) David Vogel, The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility is a scholarly examination of a politically charged and highly polarized debate concerning what corporate social responsibility can, cannot, and must accomplish in a modern capitalist economy. Chapters explore answers to and differing perspectives on the questions "Is there a business case for virtue?" and "What is the demand for virtue?" as well as examining corporate responsibility with regard to both the environment and human rights. Extensively researched, The Market for Virtue is an invaluable resource offering a serious-minded, in-depth discussion of a complex issue. Enthusiastically recommended especially for college library shelves, and invaluable reading for activists, businessmen, and legal personnel grappling with all dimensions of the interests and responsibilities of corporations.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Seminal Work in CSR, November 17, 2005

By	Jerry Schulman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Market For Virtue: The Potential And Limits Of Corporate Social Responsibility (Hardcover)

Vogel's THE MARKET FOR VIRTUE is the seminal work in CSR. His lively text offers the right mix of theory, analysis, and example. His conclusions are profound and will make a difference for the better. Required reading for corporate executives, business and management students, and those of us who simply wish to be informed participants in 21st century society.