Corporate Duties to the Public

The concept of corporations being only private actors is disappearing, and corporations owe duties to the public, including corporate purpose, civil and criminal liability, taxation, human rights, the environment, and corruption. This book explores the deepening connections between corporations and the public and offers an encompassing, balanced, and systematic understanding of the most pertinent duties corporations should bear.

Format: Hardback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 10 January 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In a world where the grocery store may hold more power than the government, and corporations rule the reins rather than being governed, the notion of corporations being solely private actors is gradually fading away. The belief that corporations can solely prioritize maximizing shareholder wealth has given way to the emerging idea that corporations owe responsibilities to the public. This notion is gaining traction among citizens, legislators, and even corporations themselves.

This book delves into the intricate connections between corporations and the public, examining timely and often contentious public issues that corporations must navigate. These issues encompass a wide range, including the corporate purpose, civil and criminal liability, taxation, human rights, the environment, and corruption. By offering readers a comprehensive, balanced, and systematic understanding of the most pertinent duties corporations should uphold, how they function, whether they are justified, and how they should be designed for the future, this book aims to clarify corporations' roles vis-à-vis the public.

The book explores the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility, highlighting the interplay between corporations, governments, and society as a whole. It examines the historical roots of corporate responsibility and the various frameworks and theories that have shaped its development. The book also examines the challenges and opportunities that corporations face in fulfilling their responsibilities to the public, including the need for transparency, accountability, and social impact.

Furthermore, the book offers practical insights and recommendations for corporations seeking to enhance their corporate responsibility practices. It provides case studies and examples of corporations that have successfully implemented responsible business practices, and it offers guidance on how other corporations can follow suit. The book also explores the role of governments and policymakers in promoting corporate responsibility, including the need for effective regulation, incentives, and policies that support sustainable development.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable and timely exploration of the deepening connections between corporations and the public. It offers readers an encompassing, balanced, and systematic understanding of the most pertinent duties corporations should bear, how they work, whether they are justified, and how they should be designed for the future. By shedding light on the complex dynamics between corporations and society, this book contributes to the ongoing debate about the role of corporations in shaping a more sustainable and equitable world.

Weight: 676g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108421461