Download This PaperMisguided Virtue
176 Pages Posted: 4 Apr 2005
Abstract
The doctrine of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) now enjoys widespread support. Companies are enjoined not simply to seek profit but to demonstrate their 'corporate citizenship' by working with a range of stakeholders to further environmental and social as well as economic goals. Pressures for such behaviour have come from NGOs but have been taken up by academics, other commentators and multinational enterprises themselves.
David Henderson examines the CSR doctrine, subjecting it to fundamental criticisms. In this controversial text he argues that, far from being harmless, its adoption threatens prosperity in poor countries as well as rich. It is likely to reduce competition and economic freedom and to undermine the market economy.
Keywords: corporate social responsibility, triple bottom line
JEL Classification: L10, L20, L21, L25, G34
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