International
economic development is the biggest challenge that global businesses face
today. Companies are increasingly being held responsible for impacts of their
products, processes and services on society and the environment. These impacts
concern environmental effects and social effects in balance with the economic
aspects of the company. This
responsibility is called Corporate Responsibility or Corporate Citizenship and
can include, but is not limited to, climate change, clean water, child labor, biodiversity,
human rights, occupational health and safety, and poverty. Many
companies are actively integrating sustainability principles into their
business strategies by pursuing goals that go far beyond a concern for
reputation management. Global
corporations are saving energy and developing green products, which can help
companies capture value through growth and return on capital. Increasingly more executives from large
corporations state that sustainability programs make a positive contribution to
their companies’ short- and long-term value.
- Professor: Robert Robertson