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Does Global Business Have a Responsibility to Promote Just Institutions?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 January 2015

Nien-hê Hsieh
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Abstract:

Drawing upon John Rawls's framework in The Law of Peoples, this paper argues that MNEs have a responsibility to promote well-ordered social and political institutions in host countries that lack them. This responsibility is grounded in a negative duty not to cause harm. In addition to addressing the objection that promoting well-ordered institutions represents unjustified interference by MNEs, the paper provides guidance for managers of MNEs operating in host countries that lack just institutions. The paper argues for understanding corporate responsibility in relation to the specific institutional environment in which MNEs operate.

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Articles
Information
Business Ethics Quarterly , Volume 19 , Issue 2 , April 2009 , pp. 251 - 273
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Business Ethics 2009

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