Abstract
Relations between non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and companies have been the subject of a sharply increasing amount of publications in recent years within academic business journals. In this article, we critically assess this fast-developing body of literature, which we treat as forming a ‘business and society discourse’ on NGO–business relations. Drawing on discourse theory, we examine 199 academic articles in 11 business and society, international business, and management journals. Focusing on the dominant articulations on the NGO–business relationship and key signifiers they rely on, we analyze the problem-settings of articles in order to reveal the statements that are acceptable and appropriate within this field. Our threefold aim is to (1) identify dominant articulations of NGO–business relations in business and society discourse, (2) expose those articulations that are silenced or suppressed by these dominant articulations, and (3) critically assess possible power effects of these discursive dynamics in the field of discursivity. While business and society discourse on NGO–business relations overall remains open to many different articulations, we also find that those articulations that focus on NGO–business partnerships and governance initiatives tend to privilege collaborative and deliberative ways of engaging and marginalize more adversarial subject positions. We call for more recognition of the potentially constructive role that can be played by conflict.
Similar content being viewed by others
Notes
In some articles, no “introduction” headline is provided. Instead, a common replacement of that is a first section that clearly substitutes an introduction, based on the content. We have treated these first sections as introductions in such cases.
Although useful and applicable to the vast majority of the articles, the problem-setting approach proved to be inadequate in some cases. In some articles, the introduction was employed for purposes other than establishing the research purpose and background, for example, presenting methodology. In these cases the primary source was the abstract.
Electronic databases do not always make available special issue articles, for example, Doh and Guay (2004). Articles not available through these electronic databases are not included in the analysis.
Electronic databases do not always make available special issue articles, for example, Doh and Guay (2004). Articles not available through these electronic databases are not included in the analysis.
A topic area not included in the review is studies where NGOs are the unit of analysis but not in relation to business. Although not included, it can be stated that such studies exist both in the fields of business and society (Knox and Gruar 2007; MacDonald et al. 2002; van Oosterhout 2006) and management (Galaskiewicz et al. 2006; Huxham and Vangen 2000; Lawrence et al. 2002; Majchrzak et al. 2007; Osterman 2006). In addition, a few studies had a comparative setting between NGOs and businesses (Brower and Shrader 2000; Cordano et al. 2004; Egri and Herman 2000). These were excluded because the focus of the analysis is on the relationship between NGOs and businesses.
A specific topic that was not included in this analysis is ISO standardization. Although not examined here, it can be stated that there has been important research conducted on ISO 9000 and 14001 standards in business and society (Darnall 2006), international business (Christmann and Taylor 2006), and especially in the field of management (Benner and Tushman 2002; Boiral 2007; Guler et al. 2002; King et al. 2005; Terlaak 2007).
References
Ählström, J., & Sjöström, E. (2005). CSOs and business partnerships: Strategies for interaction. Business Strategy and the Environment, 14(4), 230–240.
Albareda, L., Lozano, J. M., & Ysa, T. (2007). Public policies on corporate social responsibility: The role of governments in Europe. Journal of Business Ethics, 74(4), 391–408.
Alvarado, J. (2009). Fair Trade in Mexico and abroad: An alternative to the Walmartopia? Journal of Business Ethics, 88(2), 301–317.
Amaeshi, K. M., Osuji, O. K., & Nnodim, P. (2008). Corporate social responsibility in supply chains of global brands: A boundaryless responsibility? Clarifications, exceptions and implications. Journal of Business Ethics, 81(1), 223–234.
Amao, O., & Amaeshi, K. (2008). Galvanising shareholder activism: A prerequisite for effective corporate governance and accountability in Nigeria. Journal of Business Ethics, 82(1), 119–130.
Antal, A. B., & Sobczak, A. (2007). Corporate social responsibility in France: A mix of national traditions and international influences. Business & Society, 46(1), 9–33.
Aquilera, R. V., Rupp, D. E., Williams, C. A., & Ganapathi, I. (2007). Putting the S back in corporate social responsibility: A multilevel theory of social change in organizations. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 836–863.
Arenas, D., Lozano, J. M., & Albareda, L. (2009). The Role of NGOs in CSR: Mutual perceptions among stakeholders. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(1), 175–197.
Arya, B., & Salk, J. E. (2006). Cross-sector alliance learning and effectiveness of voluntary codes of corporate social responsibility. Business Ethics Quarterly, 16(2), 211–234.
Audebrand, L. K., & Pauchant, T. C. (2009). Can the Fair Trade movement enrich traditional business ethics? An historical study of its founders in Mexico. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(3), 343–353.
Austin, J. E. (2000). The collaboration challenge: How nonprofits and businesses succeed through strategic alliances. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Austin, J. E. (2010). From organization to organization: On creating value. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 13–15.
Bechetti, L., & Huybrechts, B. (2008). The dynamics of Fair Trade as a mixed-form market. Journal of Business Ethics, 81(4), 733–750.
Beckman, T., Colwell, A., & Cunningham, P. (2009). The emergence of corporate social responsibility in Chile: The importance of authenticity and social networks. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(2), 191–206.
Bendell, J. (2000). Terms for endearment: Business, NGOs and sustainable development. Sheffield: Greenleaf.
Benner, M. J., & Tushman, M. (2002). Process management and technological innovation: A longitudinal study of the photography and paint industries. Administrative Science Quarterly, 47(4), 676–706.
Beschorner, T., & Müller, M. (2007). Social standards: Toward an active ethical involvement of businesses in developing countries. Journal of Business Ethics, 73(1), 11–21.
Bezençon, V., & Blili, S. (2009). Fair Trade managerial practices: Strategy, organisation and engagement. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(1), 95–113.
Bled, A. J. (2010). Technological choices in international environmental negotiations: An actor-network analysis. Business & Society, 49(4), 570–590.
Blockson, L. C. (2003). Multisector approaches to societal issues management. Business & Society, 42(3), 381–390.
Boddewyn, J. J. (2003). Understanding and advancing the concept of “nonmarket”. Business & Society, 42(3), 297–327.
Boiral, O. (2007). Corporate greening through ISO 14001: A rational myth? Organization Science, 18(1), 127–146.
Boli, J., & Thomas, G. M. (1997). World Culture in the World Polity: A Century of International Non-governmental Organizations. American Sociological Review, 62(2), 171–190.
Bonardi, J.-P., Holburn, G., & Van Den Bergh, R. G. (2006). Nonmarket strategy performance: Evidence from U.S. electric utilities. Academy of Management Journal, 49(6), 1209–1228.
Bonardi, J.-P., & Keim, G. D. (2005). Corporate political strategies for widely salient issues. Academy of Management Review, 30(3), 555–576.
Briscoe, F., & Safford, S. (2008). The Nixon-in-China Effect: Activism, imitation, and the institutionalization of contentious practices. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 460–491.
Brower, H. H., & Shrader, C. B. (2000). Moral reasoning and ethical climate: Not-for-profit vs. For-profit boards of directors. Journal of Business Ethics, 26(2), 147–167.
Burchell, J., & Cook, J. (2011). Banging on open doors? Stakeholder dialogue and the challenge of business engagement for UK NGOs. Environmental Politics, 20(6), 918–937.
Butterfield, K. D., Reed, R., & Lemak, D. J. (2004). An inductive model of collaboration from the Stakeholder’s perspective. Business & Society, 43(2), 162–196.
Calvano, L. (2008). Multinational corporations and local communities: A critical analysis of conflict. Journal of Business Ethics, 82(4), 793–805.
Campbell, T. (2006). A human rights approach to developing voluntary codes of conduct for multinational corporations. Business Ethics Quarterly, 16(2), 255–269.
Campbell, J. L. (2007). Why would corporations behave in socially responsible ways? An Institutional theory of corporate social responsibility. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 946–967.
Cantó-Milàn, N., & Lozano, J. (2009). The spanish discourse on corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(1), 157–171.
Castaldo, S., Perrini, F., Misani, N., & Tencati, A. (2009). The missing link between corporate social responsibility and consumer trust: The case of Fair Trade products. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(1), 1–15.
Christmann, P., & Taylor, G. (2006). Firm self-regulation through international certifiable standards: Determinants of symbolic versus substantive implementation. Journal of International Business Studies, 37(6), 863–878.
Clarke, A., & Fuller, M. (2010). Collaborative strategic management: strategy formulation and implementation by multi-organizational cross-sector social partnerships. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 85–101.
Clarke, S., & Roome, N. (1999). Sustainable business: Learning-action networks as organizational assets. Business Strategy and the Environment, 8(5), 296–310.
Cleveland, M., Favo, C. M., Frecka, T. J., & Owens, C. L. (2009). Trends in the international fight against bribery and corruption. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(Suppl 2), 199–244.
Collins, D. (2009). The failure of a socially responsive gold mining MNC in El Salvador: Ramifications of NGO mistrust. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(Suppl 1), 245–268.
Cordano, M., Hanson Frieze, I., & Ellis, K. M. (2004). Entangled affiliations and attitudes: An analysis of the influences on environmental policy stakeholders’ behavioral intentions. Journal of Business Ethics, 49(1), 27–40.
Cornelius, N., & Wallace, J. (2011) Cross-sector partnerships: City regeneration and social justice. Journal of Business Ethics.
Coulson, A. (2009). How should banks govern the environment? Challenging the construction of action versus veto. Business Strategy and the Environment, 18(3), 149–161.
Crane, A. (2010). From governance to governance: On blurring boundaries. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 17–19.
Da Silva, R. V., & Teixeira, N. (2008). Environmental business strategy: the Portuguese case. Business Strategy and the Environment, 17(3), 208–218.
Dahan, N. M., Doh, J. P., & Teegen, H. (2010). Role of Nongovernmental Organizations in the Business–Government–Society Interface: Special Issue Overview and Introductory Essay. Business & Society, 49(1), 20–34.
Dando, N., & Swift, T. (2003). Transparency and assurance: Minding the credibility gap. Journal of Business Ethics, 44(2–3), 195–200.
Darnall, N. (2006). Why firms mandate ISO 14001 certification. Business & Society, 45(3), 354–382.
David, P., Bloom, M., & Hillman, A. J. (2007). Investor activism, managerial responsiveness, and corporate social performance. Strategic Management Journal, 28(1), 91–100.
Davies, I. A. (2009). Alliances and networks: Creating success in the UK Fair Trade market. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(Suppl 1), 109–126.
Davies, I. A., & Crane, A. (2003). Ethical decision making in Fair Trade companies. Journal of Business Ethics, 45(1–2), 79–92.
Davis, G. F., Morrill, C., Rao, H., & Soule, S. A. (2008). Introduction: Social movements in organizations and markets. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 389–394.
Dawkins, C. E. (2005). First to market: Issue management pacesetters and the pharmaceutical industry response to AIDS in Africa. Business & Society, 44(3), 244–283.
De Bakker, F. G. A., Groenewegen, P., & den Hond, F. (2005). A bibliometric analysis of 30 years of research and theory on corporate social responsibility and corporate social performance. Business & Society, 44(3), 283–317.
De Geer, H., Borglund, T., & Frostenson, M. (2009). Reconciling CSR with the role of the corporation in welfare states: The problematic Swedish example. Journal of Business Ethics, 89, 269–283.
De George, R. (2005). Intellectual property and pharmaceutical drugs: An ethical analysis. Business Ethics Quarterly, 15(4), 549–575.
De la Questa González, M., & Valor Martinez, C. (2004). Fostering corporate social responsibility through public initiative: From the EU to the Spanish case’. Journal of Business Ethics, 55(3), 275–293.
Delmas, M., & Toffel, M. W. (2004). Stakeholders and environmental management practices: An Institutional framework. Business Strategy and the Environment, 13(4), 209–222.
Delmas, M. A., & Toffel, M. W. (2008). Organizational responses to environmental demands: Opening the black box. Strategic Management Journal, 29(10), 1027–1055.
Den Hond, F., & De Bakker, F. G. A. (2007). Ideologically motivated activism: How activist group influence corporate social change activities. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 901–924.
Derry, R., & Waikar, S. V. (2008). Frames and filters: Strategic distrust as a legitimation tool in the 50-year battle between public health activists and big tobacco. Business & Society, 47(1), 102–139.
Detomasi, D. A. (2007). The multinational corporation and global governance: Modelling global public policy networks. Journal of Business Ethics, 71(3), 321–334.
Dickson, M., & Eckman, M. (2008). Media portrayal of voluntary public reporting about corporate social responsibility performance: Does coverage encourage or discourage ethical management? Journal of Business Ethics, 83(4), 725–743.
Doh, J. P. (2003). Nongovernmental organizations, corporate strategy, and public policy: NGOs as agents of change. In J. P. Doh & H. Teegen (Eds.), Globalization and NGOs: Transforming business, government, and society (pp. 1–19). Wesport, CT: Praeger.
Doh, J. P., & Guay, T. (2004). Globalization and corporate social responsibility: How nongovernmental organizations influence labor and environmental codes of conduct. Management International Review, 44(2), 7–29.
Doran, C. (2009). The role of personal values in Fair Trade consumption. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(4), 549–563.
Dunfee, T. W., & Hess, D. (2000). The legitimacy of direct corporate humanitarian investment. Business Ethics Quarterly, 10(1), 95–109.
Easterly, L., & Miesing, P. (2009). NGOs, social venturing, and community citizenship behavior. Business & Society, 48(4), 538–564.
Eesley, C., & Lenox, M. J. (2006). Firm responses to secondary stakeholder action. Strategic Management Journal, 27(8), 765–781.
Egels-Zandén, N. (2009a). TNC motives for signing international framework agreements: A continuous bargaining model of stakeholder pressure. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(4), 529–547.
Egels-Zandén, N. (2009b). Transnational governance of workers rights: Outlining a research agenda. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(2), 169–188.
Egels-Zandén, N., & Hyllman, P. (2006). Exploring the effects of union–NGO relationships on corporate responsibility: The case of the Swedish clean clothes campaign. Journal of Business Ethics, 64(3), 303–316.
Egels-Zandén, N., & Hyllman, P. (2007). Evaluating strategies for negotiating workers’ rights in transnational corporations: The effects of codes of conduct and global agreements on workplace democracy. Journal of Business Ethics, 76(2), 207–223.
Egels-Zandén, N., & Wahlqvist, E. (2007). Post-partnership strategies for defining corporate responsibility: the business social compliance initiative. Journal of Business Ethics, 70(2), 175–190.
Egri, C. P., & Herman, S. (2000). Leadership in the North American environmental sector: Values, leadership styles, and contexts of environmental leaders and their organizations. Academy of Management Journal, 43(4), 571–605.
Egri, C. P., & Ralston, D. A. (2008). Corporate responsibility: A review of international management research from 1998 to 2007. Journal of International Management, 14(4), 319–339.
Fassin, Y. (2009). Inconsistencies activists’ behaviours and the ethics of NGOs. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(4), 503–521.
Fridell, G. (2009). The co-operative and the corporation: Competing visions of the future of Fair Trade. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 81–95.
Frooman, J., & Murrell, A. J. (2005). Stakeholder influence strategies: The roles of structural and demographic determinants. Business & Society, 44(1), 3–32.
Fuentes-Garcia, F., Nunez-Tabales, J., & Veroz-Herradon, R. (2008). Applicability of corporate social responsibility to human resources management: Perspective from Spain. Journal of Business Ethics, 82(1), 27–44.
Gadenne, D., Kennedy, J., & McKeiver, C. (2009). An empirical study of environmental awareness and practices in SMEs. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(1), 45–63.
Galaskiewicz, J., Bielefeld, W., & Dowell, M. (2006). Networks and organizational growth: a study of community based nonprofits. Administrative Science Quarterly, 51(3), 337–380.
Gendron, C., Bisaillon, V., & Rance, A. (2009). The Institutionalization of Fair Trade: More than just a degraded form of social action. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 63–79.
Gilbert, D., & Behnam, M. (2009). Advancing integrative social contracts theory: A Habermasian perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 89(2), 215–234.
Gilbert, D. U., & Rasche, A. (2007). Discourse ethics and social accountability: The ethics of SA8000. Business Ethics Quarterly, 17(2), 187–216.
Gilbert, D. U. G., & Rasche, A. (2008). Opportunities and problems of standardized ethics initiatives—a stakeholder theory perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 82(3), 755–773.
Godfrey, P. C., Merrill, C. B., & Hansen, J. M. (2009). The relationship between corporate social responsibility and shareholder value: An empirical test of the risk management hypothesis. Strategic Management Journal, 30(4), 425–445.
Graafland, J. J., Eijffinger, S. C. W., & SmidJohan, H. (2004). Benchmarking of Corporate Social Responsibility: Methodological problems and robustness. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1–2), 137–152.
Griesse, M. A. (2007a). Caterpillar’s Interactions with Piracicaba, Brazil: A community-based analysis of CSR. Journal of Business Ethics, 73(1), 39–52.
Griesse, M. A. (2007b). The geographic, political, and economic context for corporate social responsibility in Brazil. Journal of Business Ethics, 73(1), 21–37.
Grolin, J. (1998). Corporate legitimacy in risk society: The case of Brent Spar. Business Strategy and the Environment, 7(4), 213–222.
Guay, T., Doh, J. P., & Sinclair, G. (2004). Non-governmental organizations, shareholder activism, and socially responsible investments: Ethical, strategic, and governance implications. Journal of Business Ethics, 52(1), 125–139.
Guler, I., Guillén, M. F., & Macpherson, J. M. (2002). Global competition, institutions, and the diffusion of organizational practices: The international spread of ISO 9000 quality certificates. Administrative Science Quarterly, 47(2), 207–232.
Gunningham, N., Phillipson, M., & Grabosky, P. (1999). Harnessing third parties as surrogate regulators: Achieving Environmental outcomes by alternative means. Business Strategy and the Environment, 8(4), 211–224.
Hardy, C., & Phillips, N. (1998). Strategies of engagement: Lessons from the critical examination of collaboration and conflict in an interorganizational domain. Organization Science, 9(2), 217–230.
Hartlieb, S., & Jones, B. (2009). Humanising business through ethical labelling: Progress and paradoxes in the UK. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(3), 583–600.
Hartman, C. L., Hofman, P. S., & Stafford, E. R. (1999). Partnerships: A path to sustainability. Business Strategy and the Environment, 8(2), 255–266.
Harvey, B., & Schaefer, A. (2001). Managing relationships with environmental stakeholders: A study of U.K. water and electricity utilities. Journal of Business Ethics, 30(3), 243–260.
Hastings, M. (1999). A new operational paradigm for oil operations in sensitive environments: an analysis of social pressure, corporate capabilities and competitive advantage. Business Strategy and the Environment, 8(5), 267–280.
Heli, W., Jaepil, C., & Jiatao, L. (2008). Too little or too much? Untangling the relationship between corporate philanthropy and firm financial performance. Organization Science, 19(1), 143–159.
Hendry, J. (2003). Environmental NGOs and business. Business & Society, 42(2), 267–276.
Hendry, J. (2005). Stakeholder influence strategies: An empirical exploration. Journal of Business Ethics, 61(1), 79–99.
Hendry, J. (2006). Taking aim at business: What factors lead environmental non-governmental organizations to target particular firms? Business & Society, 45(2), 47–87.
Heugens, P. P. M. A. R. (2003). Capability building through adversarial relationships: a replication and extension of Clarke and Roome (1999). Business Strategy and the Environment, 12(5), 300–312.
Heugens, P. P. M. A. R., van den Bosch, F. A. J., & van Riel, C. B. M. (2002). Stakeholder integration: Building mutually enforcing relationships. Business & Society, 41(1), 37–61.
Hiatt, S. R., Sine, W. D., & Tolbert, P. S. (2009). From Pabst to Pepsi: The deinstitutionalization of social practices and the creation of entrepreneurial opportunities. Administrative Science Quarterly, 54(4), 635–667.
Hira, A., & Ferrie, J. (2006). Fair trade: Three key challenges for reaching the mainstream. Journal of Business Ethics, 63(2), 107–118.
Holzer, B. (2008). Turning stakeseekers into stakeholders: A political coalition perspective on the politics of stakeholder influence. Business & Society, 47(1), 50–67.
Howard, J., Nash, J., & Ehrenfeld, J. (1999). Industry codes as agents of change: Responsible care adoption by US chemical companies. Business Strategy and the Environment, 8(5), 281–295.
Huxham, C., & Vangen, S. (2000). Leadership in the shaping and implementation of collaboration agendas: How things happen in a (not quite) joined-up world. Academy of Management Journal, 43(6), 1159–1176.
Idemudia, U. (2009). Oil extraction and poverty reduction in the Niger delta: A critical examination of partnership initiatives. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(1), 91–116.
Jamali, D., & Keshishian, T. (2009). Uneasy alliances: Lessons Learned from partnerships between businesses and NGOs in the context of CSR. Journal of Business Ethics, 84(2), 277–295.
Jørgensen, M. W., & Phillips, L. (2002). Discourse analysis as theory and method. London: Sage.
Joutsenvirta, M. (2009). A language perspective to environmental management and corporate responsibility business strategy and the environment. Business Strategy and the Environment, 18(4), 240–253.
Julian, S. D., Ofori-Dankwa, J. C., & Justis, R. T. (2008). Understanding strategic responses to interest group pressures. Strategic Management Journal, 29(9), 963–984.
Kaler, J. (2000). Reasons to be ethical: Self-interest and ethical business. Journal of Business Ethics, 27(1–2), 161–173.
Kassinis, G., & Vafeas, N. (2006). Stakeholder pressures and environmental performance. Academy of Management Journal, 49(1), 145–159.
Katz, J. P., Higgins, E., Dickson, M., & Eckman, M. (2009). The impact of external monitoring and public reporting on business performance in a global manufacturing industry. Business & Society, 48(4), 489–510.
King, A. (2007). Cooperation between corporations and environmental groups: A transaction cost perspective. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 889–900.
King, B. G. (2008a). A political mediation model of corporate response to social movement activism. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 395–421.
King, B. (2008b). A social movement perspective of stakeholder collective action and influence. Business & Society, 47(1), 21–49.
King, M. D., & Haveman, H. A. (2008). Antislavery in America: The press, the pulpit, and the rise of antislavery societies. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 492–528.
King, A. A., Lenox, M. J., & Terlaak, A. (2005). The strategic use of decentralized institutions: Exploring certification with the ISO 14001 management standard. Academy of Management Journal, 48(6), 1091–1106.
King, B. G., & Soule, S. A. (2007). Social movements as extra-institutional entrepreneurs: The effect of protests on stock price returns. Administrative Science Quarterly, 52(3), 413–442.
Knox, S., & Gruar, C. (2007). The application of stakeholder theory to relationship marketing strategy development in a non-profit organization. Journal of Business Ethics, 75(2), 115–135.
Kolk, A., & Pinkse, J. (2007). Multinationals’ political activities on climate change. Business & Society, 46(2), 201–228.
Kolk, A., van Dolen, W. M., & Vock, M. (2010). Trickle effects of cross-sector social partnerships. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 123–137.
Kolk, A., & van Tulder, R. (2002). Child labor and multinational conduct: A comparison of international business and stakeholder codes. Journal of Business Ethics, 36(3), 291–301.
Kourula, A., & Laasonen, S. (2010). Nongovernmental organizations in business and society, management, and international business research—review and implications from 1998 to 2007. Business & Society, 49(1), 68–87.
Laclau, E. (1990). New reflections on the revolution of our time. London: Verso.
Laclau, E. (1993). Power and representation. In M. Poster (Ed.), Politics, theory and contemporary culture (pp. 277–296). New York: Columbia University Press.
Laclau, E., & Mouffe, C. (1985). Hegemony and socialist strategy: Towards a radical democratic politics. London: Verso.
LaFrance, J., & Lehmann, M. (2005). Corporate awakening—why (some) corporations embrace public–private partnerships. Business Strategy and the Environment, 14(4), 216–229.
Lawrence, T. B., Hardy, C., & Phillips, N. (2002). Institutional effects of interorganizational collaboration: The emergence of proto-institutions. Academy of Management Journal, 45(1), 281–290.
Le Ber, M. J., & Branzei, O. (2010a). ‘(Re)Forming strategic cross-sector partnerships: relational processes of social innovation. Business & Society, 49(1), 140–172.
Le Ber, M. J., & Branzei, O. (2010b). Value frame fusion in cross sector interactions. Journal of Business Ethics.
Levendis, J., Block, W., & Morrel, J. (2006). Nuclear power. Journal of Business Ethics, 67(1), 37–49.
Levy, D. L., Brown, H. S., & de Jong, M. (2010). The contested politics of corporate governance: The case of the global reporting initiative. Business & Society, 49(1), 88–115.
Lockett, A., Moon, J., & Visser, W. (2006). Corporate social responsibility in management research: Focus, nature, salience and sources of influence. Journal of Management Studies, 43(1), 115–136.
Logsdon, J. M., & van Buren, H. J., I. I. I. (2009). Beyond the Proxy Vote: Dialogues between shareholder activists and corporations. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(Suppl 1), 353–365.
Low, W., & Davenport, E. (2009). Organizational leadership, ethics and the challenges of marketing fair and ethical trade. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 97–108.
Loza, J. (2004). Business-community partnerships: The case for community organization capacity building. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(3), 207–311.
Lozano, J. M., Albareda, L., & Balaguer, M. R. (2006). Socially responsible investment in the Spanish financial market. Journal of Business Ethics, 69(3), 305–316.
Lucea, R. (2010). How we see them versus how they see themselves: A cognitive perspective of firm–NGO relationships. Business & Society, 49(1), 116–139.
Lund-Thomsen, P. (2009). Assessing the impact of public–private partnerships in the global south: The case of the Kasur Tanneries Pollution Control Project. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(Suppl 1), 57–78.
Lund-Thomsen, P., & Reed, D. (2009). Introduction: Special issue on business partnerships for development. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(Suppl 1), 1–2.
Maak, T., & Pless, N. (2009). Business leaders as citizens of the world. Advancing humanism on a global scale. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(3), 537–550.
MacDonald, S., & Chrisp, T. (2005). Acknowledging the purpose of partnership. Journal of Business Ethics, 59(4), 307–317.
MacDonald, C., McDonald, M., & Norman, W. (2002). Charitable conflicts of interest. Journal of Business Ethics, 39(1–2), 67–74.
MacDonald, C., & Whellams, M. (2007). Corporate decisions about labelling genetically modified foods. Journal of Business Ethics, 75(2), 181–190.
Madsen, H., & Ulhøi, J. P. (2001). Integrating environmental and stakeholder management. Business Strategy and the Environment, 10(2), 77–88.
Mahoney, J. T., McGahan, A. M., & Pitelis, C. N. (2009). The interdependence of private and public interests. Organization Science, 20(6), 1034–1052.
Majchrzak, A., Jarvenpaa, S. L., & Hollingshead, A. B. (2007). Coordinating expertise among emergent groups responding to disasters. Organization Science, 18(1), 147–161.
Mària, J., & Arenas, D. (2009). Societal ethos and economic development organizations in Nicaragua. Journal of Business Ethics, 88(Suppl 1), 231–244.
Marquis, C., Glynn, M. A., & Davis, G. F. (2007). Community isomorphism and corporate social action. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 925–945.
Martin, K., & Kracher, B. (2008). A conceptual framework for online business protest tactics and criteria for their effectiveness. Business & Society, 47(3), 291–311.
Matten, D., & Crane, A. (2005). Corporate citizenship: Toward an extended theoretical conceptualization. Academy of Management Review, 30(1), 166–179.
Maynard, M. L. (2001). Policing transnational commerce: Global awareness in the margins of morality. Journal of Business Ethics, 30(1), 17–27.
McMurtry, J. J. (2009). Ethical value-added: Fair Trade and the case of Café Femenino. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(Suppl 1), 27–49.
Moore, G. (2004). The Fair Trade Movement: Parameters, issues and future research. Journal of Business Ethics, 53(1–2), 73–86.
Moore, G., Slack, R., & Gibbon, J. (2009). Criteria for responsible business practice in SMEs: An exploratory case of U.K. Fair Trade Organisations. Journal of Business Ethics, 89(2), 173–188.
Mouffe, C. (1999). Deliberative democracy or agonistic pluralism. Social Research, 66(3), 745–758.
Mouffe, C. (2000). Deliberative democracy or agonistic pluralism. Wien: Institut für Höhere Studien (IHS). Accessed November 28, 2011, from http://users.unimi.it/dikeius/pw_72.pdf.
Mouffe, C. (2005). On the political. London: Routledge.
Mukherjee Reed, A., & Reed, D. (2009). Partnerships for development: Four models of business involvement. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(Suppl 1), 3–37.
Murillo-Luna, J. L., Garcés-Ayerbe, C., & Rivera-Torres, P. (2008). Why do patterns of environmental response differ? A stakeholders’ pressure approach. Strategic Management Journal, 29(11), 1225–1240.
Murphy, M., & Arenas, D. (2010). Through indigenous lenses: Cross-sector collaborations with fringe stakeholders. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 103–121.
Murphy, P. J., & Coombes, S. M. (2009). A model of social entrepreneurial discovery. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(3), 325–336.
Nwankwo, E., Philips, N., & Tracey, P. (2007). Social investment through community enterprise: The case of multinational corporations’ involvement in the development of Nigerian water resources. Journal of Business Ethics, 73(1), 91–102.
O’Higgins, E. R. E. (2006). Corruption, under-development and extractive resource industry: Addressing the vicious cycle. Business Ethics Quarterly, 16(2), 235–254.
O’Mahony, S., & Bechky, B. A. (2008). Boundary organizations: Enabling collaboration among unexpected allies. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 422–459.
Osterman, P. (2006). Overcoming oligarchy: Culture and agency in social movement organizations. Administrative Science Quarterly, 51(4), 622–649.
Özçağlar-Toulouse, N., Beji-Becheur, A., & Murphy, P. (2009). Fair trade in France: From individual innovators to contemporary networks. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(4), 589–606.
Palazzo, G., & Scherer, A. G. (2006). Corporate legitimacy as deliberation: A COMMUNICATIVE FRAmework. Journal of Business Ethics, 66(1), 71–88.
Parkan, B. (2009). On multinational corporations and the provision of positive rights. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(1), 73–82.
Pines, G. L. S., & Meyer, D. G. (2005). Stopping the exploitation of workers: An analysis of the effective application of consumer or socio-political pressure. Journal of Business Ethics, 59(1–2), 155–162.
Pollach, A., Scharl, A., & Weichselbraun, A. (2009). Web content mining for comparing corporate and third-party online reporting: A case study on solid waste management. Business Strategy and the Environment, 18(3), 137–148.
Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2011). The big idea: Creating shared value. Harvard Business Review, 89, 63–77.
Powell, W. W., & Steinberg, R. (Eds.). (2006). The non-profit sector—a research handbook (2nd ed.). New Haven: Yale University Press.
Prasad, A., & Mills, A. J. (2011). Critical management studies and business ethics: A synthesis and three research trajectories for the coming decade. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Suppl 2), 227–237.
Rao, H., & Sivakumar, K. (1999). Institutional sources of boundary-spanning structures: The establishment of investor relations departments in the fortune 500 industrials. Organization Science, 10(1), 27–43.
Rasche, A., Baur, D., van Huijstee, M., Ladek, S., Naidu, J., Perla, C., et al. (2008). Corporations as political actors—a report on the first Swiss Master Class in corporate social responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 80(2), 151–173.
Rasche, A., & Esser, D. E. (2006). From stakeholder management to stakeholder accountability: Applying Habermasian discourse ethics to accountability research. Journal of Business Ethics, 65(3), 251–267.
Raufflet, E. (2009). Mobilizing business for post-secondary education: CIDA University, South Africa. Journal of Business Ethics, 89(2), 191–202.
Raufflet, E., & Gurguel do Amaral, C. (2007). Bridging business and society: The Abrinq Foundation in Brazil. Journal of Business Ethics, 73(1), 119–128.
Reast, J., Lindgreen, A., Vanhamme, J., & Maon F. (2010). The Manchester Super Casino: Experience and learning in a cross-sector social partnership. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 197–218.
Reed, D. (2009). What do corporations have to do with Fair Trade? Positive and normative analysis from a value chain perspective. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 3–26.
Reed, D., & McMurtry, J. J. (2009). Introduction. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(Suppl 1), 1–2.
Regéczi, D. (2005). Limited partnership: The lack of sustainable development in relation to participation in Hungarian Public–Private partnerships. Business Strategy and the Environment, 14(4), 205–215.
Rehbein, K., Waddock, S., & Graves, S. B. (2004). Understanding shareholder activism: Which corporations are targeted? Business & Society, 43(3), 239–268.
Reid, E. M., & Toffel, M. V. (2009). Responding to Public and Private Politics: Corporate Disclosure of Climate Change Strategies. Strategic Management Journal, 30(11), 1157–1178.
Rein, M., & Stott, L. (2009). Working together: Critical perspectives on six cross-sector partnerships in Southern Africa. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(1), 79–89.
Rifai-Hasan, P. (2009). Development, Power, and the Mining Industry in Papua: A Study of Freeport Indonesia. Journal of Business Ethics, 89(2), 129–143.
Rivera-Santos, M., & Rufin, C. (2011). Odd couples: Understanding the governance of firm–NGO alliances. Journal of Business Ethics.
Rosthorn, J. (2000). Business ethics auditing—more than a stakeholder’s toy. Journal of Business Ethics, 27(1–2), 9–19.
Rowley, T. J., & Moldoveanu, M. (2003). When will stakeholder groups act? An interest- and identity-based model of stakeholder group mobilization. Academy of Management Review, 28(2), 204–219.
Schepers, D. (2006). The impact of NGO Network Conflict on the Corporate Social Responsibility Strategies of Multinational Corporations. Business & Society, 45(3), 282–299.
Scherer, A. G., & Palazzo, G. (2007). Toward a political conception of corporate responsibility: business and society seen from a Habermasian perspective. Academy of Management Review, 32(4), 1096–1120.
Scherer, A. G., & Smid, M. (2000). The Downward Spiral and the U.S. Model Business Principles—Why MNEs should take responsibility for the improvement of world-wide social and environmental conditions. Management International Review, 40(4), 351–371.
Scherrer, Y. M. (2009). Environmental conservation NGOs and the concept of sustainable development—a research into the value systems of Greenpeace International, WWF International and IUCN International. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(Suppl 3), 555–571.
Schwartz, M. S., & Weber, J. (2006). A Business Ethics National Index (BENI): Measuring business ethics activity round the world. Business & Society, 45(3), 382–405.
Seitanidi, M. M., & Crane, A. (2009). Implementing CSR through partnerships: Understanding the selection, design and institutionalisation of nonprofit-business partnerships. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(Suppl 2), 413–429.
Seitanidi, M. M., Koufopoulos, D. N., & Palmer, P. (2010). Partnership formation for change: indicators for transformative potential in cross sector social partnerships. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 139–161.
Seitanidi, M. M., & Lindgreen, A. (2010). Editorial: Cross-sector social interactions. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 1–7.
Selsky, J. W., & Parker, B. (2010). Platforms for cross-sector social partnerships: Prospective sensemaking devices for social benefit. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 21–37.
Sharma, S., & Henriques, I. (2005). Stakeholder influences on sustainability practices in the Canadian forest products industry. Strategic Management Journal, 26(2), 159–180.
Sine, W. D., & Lee, B. H. (2009). Tilting at windmills? The environmental movement and the emergence of the U.S. Wind Energy Sector. Administrative Science Quarterly, 54(1), 123–155.
Singer, A. E. (2006). Business strategy and poverty alleviation. Journal of Business Ethics, 66(2–3), 225–231.
Skålén, P., Fougère, M., & Fellesson, M. (2008). Marketing discourse: A critical perspective. London: Routledge.
Skippari, M., & Pajunen, K. (2010). MNE-NGO-Host government relationships in the escalation of an FDI conflict. Business & Society, 49(4), 619–651.
Smit, A. A. H., Driessen, P. P. J., & Glasbergen, P. (2008). Constraints on the conversion to sustainable production: The case of the Dutch Potato Chain. Business Strategy and the Environment, 17(6), 369–381.
Spar, D. L., & La Mure, L. T. (2003). The power of activism: Assessing the impact of NGOs on global business. California Management Review, 45(3), 78–101.
Spitzeck, H. (2009). Organizational moral learning: What, if anything, do corporations learn from NGO critique? Journal of Business Ethics, 88(1), 157–173.
Stafford, E. R., Polonsky, M. J., & Hartman, C. L. (2000). Environmental NGO–business collaboration and strategic bridging: A Case analysis of the Greenpeace–Foron alliance. Business Strategy and the Environment, 9(2), 122–135.
Starik, M., & Heuer, M. (2002). Strategic inter-organizational environmentalism in the U.S.: A multi-sectoral perspective of alternating eco-policy roles. Business Strategy and the Environment, 11(4), 221–235.
Strannegård, L. (2000). Flexible couplings: Combining business goals and environmental concern. Business Strategy and the Environment, 9(3), 163–174.
Sud, M., Van Sandt, C., & Baugous, A. (2009). Social entrepreneurship: The role of institutions. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(1), 201–216.
Sullivan, R. (2005). Code integration: Alignment or conflict? Journal of Business Ethics, 59(1–2), 9–25.
Tan, J. (2009). Institutional structure and firm social performance in transitional economies: Evidence of multinational corporations in China. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(2), 171–189.
Teegen, H. (2003). International NGOs as global institutions: Using social capital to impact multinational enterprises and governments. Journal of International Management, 9(3), 271–285.
Teegen, H., Doh, J. P., & Vachani, S. (2004). The importance of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in global governance and value creation: An international business research agenda. Journal of International Business Studies, 35(6), 463–483.
Terlaak, A. (2007). Order without law? The role of certified management standards in shaping socially desired firm behaviors. Academy of Management Review, 32(3), 968–985.
Tracey, P., Phillips, N., & Haugh, H. (2005). Beyond philanthropy: Community enterprise as a basis for corporate citizenship. Journal of Business Ethics, 58(4), 327–344.
Utting, K. (2009). Assessing the impact of Fair Trade coffee: Towards an integrative framework. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 127–149.
Utting, P., & Zammit, A. (2009). United Nations-business partnerships: Good Intentions and contradictory agendas. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(Supplement 1), 39–56.
Valor Martínez, C. (2003). Social alliance for fundraising: How Spanish nonprofits are hedging the Risks. Journal of Business Ethics, 47(3), 209–222.
Van den Bosch, F. A. J., & van Riel, C. B. M. (1998). Buffering and bridging as environmental strategies of firms. Business Strategy and the Environment, 7(1), 24–31.
Van der Voort, J. M., Glac, K., & Meijs, L. C. P. M. (2009). Managing corporate community involvement. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(3), 311–329.
van Huijstee, M., & Glasbergen, P. (2011). NGOs moving business: An analysis of contrasting strategies. Business & Society, 49(4), 591–618.
Van Luijk, H. J. L. (2000). In search of instruments: Business and ethics halfway. Journal of Business Ethics, 27(1–2), 3–8.
Van Oosterhout, J. (2006). Authority and democracy in corporate governance? Journal of Business Ethics, 71(4), 359–370.
Van Tulder, R., & van der Zwart, A. (2006). International business-society management: linking corporate responsibility and globalization (pp. 119–125). Abongdon: Routledge.
VanderHoff Boersma, F. (2009). The urgency and necessity of a different type of market: The perspective of producers organized within the Fair Trade market. Journal of Business Ethics, 86(1), 51–61.
Vurro, C., Dacin, M. T., & Perrini, F. (2010). Institutional antecedents of partnering for social change: How institutional logics shape cross-sector social partnerships. Journal of Business Ethics, 94(Supplement 1), 39–53.
Waddock, S. (2010). From individual to institution: On making the world different. Journal of Business Ethics.
Waygood, S., & Wehrmeyer, W. (2003). A critical assessment of how non-governmental organizations use the capital markets to achieve their aims: A U.K. study. Business Strategy and the Environment, 12(6), 372–385.
Weber, J., & Getz, K. (2004). Buy bribes or bye-bye bribes: The future status of bribery in international commerce. Business Ethics Quarterly, 14(4), 695–711.
Weber, K., Heinze, K. L., & Desoucey, M. (2008). Forage for thought: Mobilizing codes in the movement for grass-fed meat and dairy products. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 529–567.
Weidenbaum, M. L. (2009). Who will guard the guardians? The social responsibility of NGOs. Journal of Business Ethics, 87(1), 147–155.
Wilburn, K. (2009). A model for partnering with not-for-profits to develop socially responsible businesses in a global environment. Journal of Business Ethics, 85(1), 111–120.
Windsor, D. (2004). The development of international business norms. Business Ethics Quarterly, 14(4), 729–754.
Yaziji, M. (2004, February). Turning gadflies into allies. Harvard Business Review.
Yaziji, M., & Doh, J. P. (2009). NGOs and corporations: conflict and cooperation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Zald, M. N. (2008). Epilogue: Social movements and political sociology in the analysis of organizations and markets. Administrative Science Quarterly, 53(3), 568–574.
Zhenzhong, Ma. (2009). The status of contemporary business ethics research: Present and future. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(3), 255–265.
Zietsma, C., & Winn, M. I. (2008). Building chains and directing flows: Strategies and tactics of mutual influence in stakeholder conflicts. Business & Society, 47(1), 68–101.
Zyglidopoulos, S. C. (2002). The social and environmental responsibilities of multinationals: Evidence from the Brent Spar Case. Journal of Business Ethics, 36(1–2), 141–151.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Appendix
Appendix
See Table 1.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Laasonen, S., Fougère, M. & Kourula, A. Dominant Articulations in Academic Business and Society Discourse on NGO–Business Relations: A Critical Assessment. J Bus Ethics 109, 521–545 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1143-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-011-1143-z