CSR management

Two of the biggest challenges in promoting corporate responsibility are identifying a business case for behaving ethically, and demonstrating what sometimes abstract principles mean in day to day practice.

While many would argue that human rights are absolute and universal, many philosophical and practical arguments ranging from the moral basis on which such rights are founded, to whether these rights can be subject to cultural interpretation lie behind this simple assertion. It is perhaps unsurprising then that many companies do not even enter into the debate and make no comment on their position.

One way to ease the navigation of such ethical minefields is to break down large concepts, like human rights, into smaller focus areas, and then provide accessible guidance on addressing some of the issues. The Ethical Trading Initiative is trying to do just this with its new guidance for retailers.

As business becomes more globalised and complex, practical expert advice becomes invaluable for companies. Well known brands, including those who have made a public commitment to human rights, have had to admit that they do not always know what happens in the factories within their supply chain, much less control it. Support from external bodies like the ETI should help companies deal with some of these complexities.

Whether more companies sign up to this initiative, or respond to Mary Robinson’s efforts to promote a public commitment to human rights, depends greatly on the demonstration of a business case. Such campaigns must attempt to convince companies that these issues matter not just from an ethical point of view, but an economic one. The ETI is focusing on the consumer angle – but in the current economic climate, it remains to be seen how successful this will be.

Amy Lunt, amy.lunt@corporate-citizenship.com