United Nations Global Compact: the unmet promise of the UNGC

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

Social Responsibility Journal, 2017, vol. 13, issue 1, 48-61

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.

Keywords: Social media; United Nations Global Compact; Management education; Social responsibility; Law; UNGC (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:srjpps:srj-12-2015-0184

DOI: 10.1108/SRJ-12-2015-0184

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