The United Nations Global Compact: Engaging Implicit and Explicit CSR for Global Governance

Jill A. Brown (jbrown@bentley.edu), Cynthia Clark (cclark@bentley.edu) and Anthony F. Buono (abuono@bentley.edu)
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Jill A. Brown: Bentley University
Cynthia Clark: Bentley University
Anthony F. Buono: Bentley University

Journal of Business Ethics, 2018, vol. 147, issue 4, No 3, 734 pages

Abstract: Abstract This article analyzes the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) under the conceptual framework of explicit versus implicit corporate social responsibility (CSR) to better understand the operational and governance challenges behind this voluntary global initiative. Using institutional logics theory, we show how the UNGC is a practice that embodies seemingly competing logics. We suggest mechanisms to facilitate the interplay of implicit/explicit CSR and the co-existence of logics that might allow the UNGC to move forward while addressing its critics. We argue that failure to conceptualize the UNGC as a combination of explicit and implicit CSR leaves the UNGC subject to criticism that might be better directed toward organizations that fail to practice explicit CSR. While viewing the UNGC through an integrated CSR framework may not immediately reconcile its critics and proponents, combining elements of both may provide opportunities to posit collaborative solutions to improve the quality, outcome, and legitimacy of UNGC initiatives.

Keywords: United Nations Global Compact; CSR; Global governance; Institutional logics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10551-016-3382-5

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