Introduction

Abstract

The free market is often characterized as a social domain within which people act in accordance with their own self-interest (Habermas, 1981; Alec Gee, 1991: 105–106. See also: Boatright, 1999). According to this widely held view, actors in the market only have a small and restricted responsibility for the public problems society has to cope with, even if those problems originate in market processes. From this perspective, the market can therefore be referred to as the sphere of limited public responsibility.

Businesses have a role to play in improving the lives of all their customers, employees, and shareholders by sharing with them the wealth they have created. Suppliers and competitors as well should expect businesses to honor their obligations in a spirit of honesty and fairness. As responsible citizens of the local, national, regional and global communities in which they operate, businesses share a part in shaping the future of those communities

A business should protect and, where possible, improve the environment, promote sustainable development, and prevent the wasteful use of natural resources.

Caux Round Table, Principles for Business Section 2, general principles, Principle 1 (second section) and Principle 6 http://www.cauxroundtable.org