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Working Life

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Responsible Management

Part of the book series: CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance ((CSEG))

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives address the gap between current practice and what is seen as more appropriate conduct by companies. The theory and practice of CSR is linked to how companies are defined, and the diverse legal contexts in which they operate, which effectively determine the scope for market forces. The employment relationship is at the heart of company operations, as well as of working life, and is undergoing radical change. Globalisation is having a major impact on labour issues, casting new light on human rights, and the role of migrant workers. Companies may choose to exclude labour issues from their model of CSR, but may thus operate outside the law of many countries, and forfeit their credibility. The pressure of international information, and the fear of exposure, can influence corporate practice. If business is to have a “human face”, CSR must address labour issues, including migrant workers and human rights. If sustainable improvement is to be made, new forms of work organisation must be embraced. The way ahead is seen in terms of creating collaborative advantage, both internally and externally.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Workplace Innovation Ltd., Hampton, UK

    Richard Ennals

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  1. Richard Ennals
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Ennals, R. (2014). Working Life. In: Responsible Management. CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55401-8_4

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