Private companies and multinationals have been around since the
beginning of recorded history. For both good and ill they have done an
immense amount to shape human culture around the world. We have just
come through a period in history when communist and socialist societies
tried to eliminate or severely constrain private enterprise, but
companies are now back, big time.
Consequently, the question now is: 'What is their role in our global
economic and social system?' Providing goods and services and making a
profit for their shareholders are important, but in that process, they
also have responsibilities to their stakeholders and the wider
society.
Companies are in fact corporate citizens of society; just as individuals
are private citizens. They exercise certain rights but also have
profound responsibilities. They have to step up as good citizens and use
their power and influence to help humanity face the challenges of the
future. This book discusses why and how they must do that as a step
towards learning to live with modern capitalism.