Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the relationship
of corporations with society as a whole, and the need for
corporations to align their values with societal expectations in
order to avoid conflict and reap tangible benefits.
Multinational enterprises (MNEs) are an important part of the
international economy. Through international direct investment,
they bring substantial benefits to home and host countries in
the form of productive capital, managerial and technological
know-how, job creation and tax revenues. At the same time,
public concerns remain about the social, economic and
environmental impact of MNE activities on the societies in which
they operate. These concerns have led to a proliferation of
initiatives at the company, industry, national and global
levels, including the development of codes of conduct,
monitoring and reporting initiatives, and social labelling
schemes covering a broad range of issues, including labour
standards. Among these are three key multilateral initiatives
aime