ABSTRACT

Corporate social responsibility is increasingly becoming a popular business concept in developed economies. As typical of other business concepts, it is on its way to globalization through practices and structures of the globalized capitalist world order, typified in multinational enterprises. However, CSR often sits uncomfortably in this capitalist world order as MNEs are often challenged by the global reach of their supply chains and the possible irresponsible practices inherent along these chains. The case of the BP oil spill of 2010 and the subsequent legal wrangles between BP, Halliburton, and Transocean exemplify the complexities surrounding the question of accountability in the global networks of production of MNEs. 1 The possibility of irresponsible practices along their supply chains and services puts global firms under pressure to protect their brands, even if it means assuming responsibilities for the practices of their suppliers.