Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Business and Peace: Sketching the Terrain

  • Published:
Journal of Business Ethics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Our goals in this article are to summarize the existing literature on the role business can play in creating sustainable peace and to discuss important avenues for extending this research. As part of our discussion, we review the ethical arguments and related research made to date, including the rationale and motivation for businesses to engage in conflict resolution and peace building, and discuss how scholars are extending research in this area. We also focus on specific ways companies can actively engage in conflict reduction including promoting economic devel- opment, the rule of law, and principles of external valuation, contributing to a sense of community, and engaging in track-two diplomacy and conflict sensitive practices. We conclude by developing a set of future research questions and considerations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aguilera, R. V., Rupp, D. E., Williams, C. A., & Ganapathi, J. 2007. Putting the S back in corporate social responsibility: A multi-level theory of social change in organizations. Academy of Management Review , 32(3): 836-863.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, M. 2008. False promises and premises: The challenge of peace building for corporations. In O. F. Williams (Ed.), Peace through commerce: Responsible corporate citizenship and the ideals of the United Nations Global Compact. 119-132. Notre Dame, IN. University of Notre Dame Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andriof, J., & McIntosh, M. 2001. Introduction. In J. Andriof & M. McIntosh (Eds.), Perspectives on corporate citizenship: 13-24. London: Greenleaf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Appleby, S. 2000. The ambivalence of the sacred: Religion, violence and reconciliation. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ashforth, B. E., Gioia, D. A., Robinson, S. L., & Trevino, L. K. 2008. Re-viewing organizational corruption. Academy of Management Review, 33(3): 670-684.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Backer, L. C. 2005. Multinational corporations, transnational law: The United Nations’ Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations as a harbinger of corporate social responsibility in international law. Columbia Human Rights Law Review, 37(2): 287-389.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakan, J. 2004. The corporation. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ballentine, K., & Sherman, J. (Eds). 2003. The political economy of armed conflict: Beyond greed and grievance. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banfield, J., Gunduz, C., & Killick, N. (Eds.). 2006. Local business, local peace: The peacebuilding potential of the domestic private sector. London: International Alert.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banfield, J., Haufler, V., & Lilly, D. 2005. Transnational corporations in conflict-prone zones: Public policy responses and a framework for action. Oxford Development Studies, 33(1): 133-147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bies, R. J., Bartunek, J. M., Fort, T. L., & Zald, M. N. 2007. Corporations as social change agents: Individual, interpersonal, institutional, and environmental dynamics. Academy of Management Review, 32(3): 788-793.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bornstein, D. 2004. How to change the world. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buckley, P. J., & Ghauri, P. N. 2004. Globalization, economic geography and the strategy of multinational enterprises. Journal of International Business Studies, 35(2): 81-98.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chua, A. 2004. World on fire. New York: Anchor Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clifford, S.: 2008, ‘Olympic Protests put Coca-Cola in a Quandary’, International Herald Tribune April 17.

  • Collier, P. (2003), The market for civil war. Foreign Policy, 136: 38-46.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davies, G., Chun, R., da Silva, R.V., & Roper, S. 2003. Corporate reputation and competitiveness. New York: Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • DeGeorge, R. T. 1993. Competing with integrity in international business. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeWaal, F. 1989. Peacemaking among primates. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Doh, J., & Teegen, H. (Eds.). 2003. Globalization and NGOs: Transforming business, government, and society. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Donaldson T., & Dunfee, T. W. 1999. Ties that bind. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunfee, T. W., & Fort, T. L. 2003. Corporate hypergoals, sustainable peace, and the adapted firm. Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, 36: 563-617.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dworkin, T. M., & Schipani, C. A. 2007. Linking gender equity to peaceful societies. American Business Law Journal, 44(2): 391-415.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Emmelhainz, M.A., & Adams, R.J. 1999. The apparel industry response to “sweatshop” concerns: A review and analysis of codes of conduct. The Journal of Supply Chain Management, 35(3): 51-57.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fabbro, D. 1978. Peaceful societies: An introduction. Journal of Peace Research, 15: 67-83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T.L. 2001. Ethics and governance: Business as a mediating institution. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L. 2007a. Business, integrity, and peace: Beyond geopolitical and disciplinary boundaries. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L. 2007b. The corporate contribution to one planet living in global peace and security: Introduction. The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 26: 20-24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L. 2008. Prophets, profits and peace: The positive role of business in promoting sustainable peace. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L.: 2009, ‘Peace Through Commerce: A Multi-Sectoral Approach’, Journal of Business Ethics (forthcoming).

  • Fort, T. L., & Gabel, J. T. A. 2007. Peace through commerce. American Business Law Journal, 44(2): v-ix.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L., & Schipani, C. A. 2002. Symposium: Corporate governance, stakeholder accountability and sustainable peace. Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, 35(March): 379-388.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L., & Schipani, C. A. 2003. Corporate governance and sustainable peace: Intra-organizational dimensions of business behavior and reduced levels of violence. Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law, 36(March): 367-376.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L, & Schipani, C. A. 2004. The role of business in fostering peaceful societies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Fort, T. L., & Schipani, C. A. 2007. An action plan for the role of business in fostering peace. American Business Law Journal, 44(2): 359-377.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Frederick, W. C. 1995. Values, nature, and culture in the American corporation. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, R. E. 1984. Strategic management: A stakeholder approach. Marshfield, MA: Pitman Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freeman, R. E., & McVea, J. 2001. A stakeholder approach to strategic management. In M. A. Hitt, R. E. Freeman, & J. S. Harrison (Eds.), The Blackwell handbook of strategic management. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, T. L. 2005. The world is flat. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

    Google Scholar 

  • Galtung, J. 1996. Peace by peaceful means: Peace and conflict development and civilization. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gettleman, J.: 2007, ‘In Somalia, Those who Feed off Anarchy Fuel It’, The New York Times April 25.

  • Getz, K. A. 1990. International codes of conduct: An analysis of ethical reasoning. Journal of Business Ethics, 9(7): 567-577.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Getz, K. A. and S. Ladek: 2006, When do MNEs have a Moral Obligation to Intervene in Situations of Violent Conflict? Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Atlanta, GA.

  • Getz, K. and J. Oetzel: 2009, ‘MNE Strategic Intervention in Violent Conflict: Variations Based on Conflict Characteristics’, Journal of Business Ethics (forthcoming).

  • Gregory, H. 2006. International corporate governance: A gradual if incomplete convergence. In M. J. Epstein, & K. O. Hanson (Eds.), The accountable corporation: 183-200. Westport, CT: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guaqueta, A. 2008. Occidental Petroleum, Cerrejon, and NGO partnerships in Colombia. In O. F. Williams (Ed.), Peace through commerce: Responsible corporate citizenship and the ideals of the United Nations Global Compact. 381-402. Notre Dame, IN. University of Notre Dame Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunningham, N., Kagan, R., & Thornton, D. 2003. Shades of green: Business, regulation, and environment. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hambrick, D. and Mason, P. 1984. Upper echelons: The organization as a reflection of its top managers, Academy of Management Review, 9: 193–206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haufler, V. 2001. A public role for the private sector: Industry self-regulation in a global economy. Washington, DC: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heil, J. L. 2002. African private security companies and the Alien Tort Claims Act: Could multinational oil and mining companies be liable? Northwestern Journal of International Law & Business, 22(2): 291-310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Humphfreys, M.: 2003, ‘Economics and Violent Conflict’, http://www.preventconflict.org/portal/economics .

  • HIIK. 2008. Conflict barometer 2008. Heidelberg, Germany: Heidelberg Institute for International Conflict Research at the Department of Political Science, University of Heidelberg.

    Google Scholar 

  • International Alert. 2005. Conflict sensitive business practice: Guidance for extractive industries. London, UK: International Alert.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keeley, L. 1996. War before civilization. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelly, R. 2000. Warless societies and the origin of war. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khanna, T., & Palepu, K. 1997. Why focused strategies may be wrong for emerging markets. Harvard Business Review, 75(4): 41-51.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khanna, T., Palepu, K. (1999) The right way to restructure conglomerates in emerging markets. Harvard Business Review 77(4): 125-134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kolk, A., & Pinkse, J. 2007. Multinationals’ political activities on climate change. Business & Society, 46(2): 201-228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Korten, D. C. 1995. When corporations rule the world. West Hartford, CT: Kumarian Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamb, W. B., Kumar, R., & Wokutch, R. E. 2005. Corporate social performance and the road to redemption: Insights from the South Africa Sanctions. Organizational Analysis, 13(1): 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leipziger, D. (2003) The corporate responsibility code book. Sheffield, UK: Greenleaf Publishing Limited.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewicka-Strzalecka, A. 2006. Opportunities and limitations of CSR in the postcommunist countries: Polish case. Corporate Governance, 6(4): 440-448.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lieberfeld, D. 2002. Evaluating the contributions of track-two diplomacy to conflict termination in South Africa, 1984-90. Journal of Peace Research, 39(3): 355-372.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Logsdon, J.M., & Wood, D.J. 2002. Reputation as an emerging construct in the business and society field: An introduction. Business and Society, 41(4): 365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mair, J., & Marti, I. 2007. Entrepreneurship for social impact: Encouraging market access in rural Bangladesh. Corporate Governance, 7(4): 493-501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Margolis, J. and Walsh, J. 2003. Misery loves companies: Rethinking social initiatives by business, Administrative Science Quarterly , 48: 268-305.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matten, D., & Crane, A. 2005. Corporate citizenship: Toward an extended theoretical conceptualization. Academy of Management Review, 30(1): 166-179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McCarthy, D. J., & Puffer, S. M. 2008. Interpreting the ethicality of corporate governance decisions in Russia: Utilizing integrative social contracts theory to evaluate the relevance of agency theory norms. Academy of Management Review, 33(1): 11-31.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McIntosh, M., Waddock, S., & Kell, G. 2007. Editorial. The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 26: 3-5.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miall, H., Ramsbotham, O., & Woodhouse, T. 1999. Contemporary conflict resolution: The prevention, management, and transformation of deadly conflicts. Malden, MA: Polity Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Montville, J. 1992. Transnationalism and the role of track-two diplomacy. In W. S. Thompson, K. M. Jensen, R. N. Smith, & K. M. Schraub (Eds.), Approaches to peace: An intellectual map: 253-270. Washington, DC: United States Institute for Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nash, J., & Ehrenfeld, J. 1997. Codes of environmental management practice: Assessing their potential as a tool for change. Annual Review of Energy and the Environment, 22: 487-535.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, J. 2000. The business of peace: Business as a partner in conflict resolution. London: Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, D. A. 2008. Impact assessment, transparency and accountability: Three keys for building sustainable partnerships between business and its stakeholders. In O. F. Williams (Ed.), Peace through commerce: Responsible corporate citizenship and the ideals of the United Nations Global Compact. 157-198. Notre Dame, IN. University of Notre Dame Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Rourke, M.: 2007, ‘Nigerian Nightmare’, Risk Management Magazine July, 6.

  • Oetzel, J. and J. Doh: 2009, ‘Multinational Enterprise in Developing Countries: Spillovers, Liabilities and Resource Complementarity’, Journal of World Business. 44(2), 108–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Oetzel, J., Getz, K., & Ladek, S. 2007. The role of multinational enterprises in responding to violent conflict: A conceptual model and framework for research. American Business Law Journal, 44(2): 331-358.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peck, C. 1998. Sustainable peace: The role of the UN and regional organizations in preventing conflict. New York: Rowman & Littlefield.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perkins, J. 2004. Confessions of an economic hit man. San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pfeffer, J., & Salancik, G. R. 1978. The external control of organizations: A resource dependence perspective. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prentice, R.: 2002, ‘An Ethics Lesson for Business Schools’, The New York Times, New York, NY, August 20.

  • Ransom, I.: 2008, ‘Chinese Demand Carrefour Boycott for Tibet “support”’, Reuters April 15.

  • Reed, D. 2002. Resource extraction industries in developing countries. Journal of Business Ethics, 39(3): 199-226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivera, J. and deLeon, P. (2004). Is greener whiter? The Sustainable Slopes Program and the voluntary environmental performance of western ski areas. Policy Studies Journal, .32(3): 417-437.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivera, J., and deLeon, P. 2008. Voluntary environmental programs: Are carrots without sticks enough? Policy Studies Journal , 36(1): 61-63.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rivera, J., Oetzel, J., de Leon, P., and Starik, M. (2009). Business responses to environmental and social protection policies: Towards a framework for analysis. Policy Sciences: 42:3-32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robins, N. 2007. This imperious company. Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 27: 31-42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, P., & Ramsbotham, O. 1999. Then and now: Peace research – past and future. Political Studies, 47(4): 740-754.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scherer, A. G., Palazzo, G., & Baumann, D. 2006. Global rules and private actors: Toward a new role of the transnational corporation in global governance. Business Ethics Quarterly, 16(4): 505-532.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, A. 1999. Development as freedom. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sine, W. and S. Shiatt: 2008, ‘Clear and Present Danger: Political Turmoil and the Contingent Nature of Planning on Entrepreneurial Firm Survival in Colombia’, Paper Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management, Anaheim, CA.

  • Spencer, J. 2008. The impact of multinational enterprise strategy on indigenous enterprises: Horizontal spillovers and crowding out in developing countries. Academy of Management Review, 33(2): 341-361.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spreitzer, G. 2007. Giving peace a chance: Organizational leadership, empowerment, and peace. Journal of Organizational Behavior , 28: 1077-1095.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steelman, T., and Rivera, J. 2006. Voluntary environmental programs in the United States: Whose interests are served? Organization & Environment , 19(4): 505-526.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephenson, C. M. 1999. Peace studies, overview. In L. R. Kurtz, & J. Turpin (Eds.), Encyclopedia of violence, peace, & conflict. San Diego: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, F. 2002. Root causes of violent conflict in developing countries. British Medical Journal, 324: 342-345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • 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 , 25(6): 463-483.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The Economist 2006. A King’s Ransom; Kidnap Insurance. August 24, 64.

  • Thomas, A. 1996. Rhodes: Race for Africa. New York: St. Martin’s Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tripathi, S. 2005. International regulation of multinational corporations. Oxford Development Studies, 33(1): 117-131.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • UN Global Compact: 2002, ‘Global Compact Business Guide for Conflict Impact Assessment and Risk Management’, http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc/7.2.3/BusinessGuide.pdf. First accessed 25 July 2008.

  • United States Institute of Peace. 2007. Framework for success: Fragile states and societies peace building toolkit, emerging from conflict. Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of State: 2007, ‘Country Report on Human Rights Practices: China’, http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2007/100518.htm. First accessed 26 July 2008.

  • Van Tulder, R., & Kolk, A. 2001. Multinationality and corporate ethics: Codes of conduct in the sporting goods industry. Journal of International Business Studies, 32: 267-283.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Visser, W. 2005. Corporate citizenship in South Africa: A review of progress since democracy. Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 18: 29-38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visser, W. 2006. Research on corporate citizenship in Africa: A ten year review (1995-2005). In W. Visser, M. McIntosh, & C. Middleton (Eds.), Corporate Citizenship in Africa. London: Greenleaf Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Visser, W., McIntosh, M., & Middleton, C. 2006. Corporate citizenship in Africa: Lessons from the past; Paths to the future. In W. Visser, M. McIntosh, & C. Middleton (Eds.), Corporate Citizenship in Africa. London: Greenleaf Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vogel, D. 2006. The market for virtue: The potential and limits of corporate social responsibility. Washington, DC: Brookings Institution Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waddock, S. 2005. Corporate citizens: Stepping into the breach of society’s broken contracts. The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 19: 20-24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wenger, A., D., & Möckli. 2003. Conflict prevention: The untapped potential of the Business sector. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner.

    Google Scholar 

  • Westley, F., & Vredenburg, H. 1991. Strategic bridging: The collaboration between environmentalists and business in the marketing of green products. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 27(1): 65.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wheeler, D., Fabig, H., & Boele, R. 2002. Paradoxes and dilemmas for stakeholder responsive firms in the extractive sector: Lessons from the case of Shell and the Ogoni. Journal of Business Ethics, 39(3): 297-318.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiersema, M. and K. Bantel (1992). Top management team demography and corporate strategic change, Academy of Management Journal, 35: 91–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williamson, O. 1983. Using hostages to support exchange. The American Economic Review, 73(4): 519-540.

    Google Scholar 

  • Woo, C. Y. 2006. A world of good: Business, business schools and peace. Tampa, FL: AACSB International.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kogod School of Business, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC, 20016, U.S.A.

    Jennifer Oetzel, Michelle Westermann-Behaylo & Charles Koerber

  2. School of Business, George Washington University, 2121 I Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20052, U.S.A.

    Timothy L. Fort & Jorge Rivera

Authors
  1. Jennifer Oetzel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Michelle Westermann-Behaylo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Charles Koerber
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Timothy L. Fort
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jorge Rivera
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jennifer Oetzel.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Oetzel, J., Westermann-Behaylo, M., Koerber, C. et al. Business and Peace: Sketching the Terrain. J Bus Ethics 89 (Suppl 4), 351–373 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0411-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-010-0411-7

Key words

Search

Navigation