ABSTRACT

Business and Development Studies: Issues and Perspectives provides a comprehensive collection of cutting-edge theoretical and empirical contributions to the emerging field of business and development studies.

Compared to more traditional business-school accounts of business in developing countries which focus on the challenges and opportunities of doing business in developing countries, this anthology explores whether, how, and under what conditions business contributes to the achievement of economic, social, and environmental goals in developing countries. The book consolidates the current status of academic work on business and development, identifies state of the art in relation to this academic field, and establishes a future research agenda for ‘business and development studies’ as an emerging academic discipline within the social sciences.

The book will be of interest to researchers and students, including economists, geographers, sociologists, political scientists, corporate social responsibility specialists, and development scholars who are seeking an in-depth overview of current debates about the role of business as a development agent in the Global South. The book is also of relevance to practitioners that are engaged in work with the private sector seeking to enhance the positive effects and minimize the negative economic, social, and environmental consequences of business activity in the Global South.

part I|14 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|12 pages

Business and development studies

Issues and perspectives

part II|107 pages

Business, governance, and development

part III|110 pages

Global value chains, business, and development

part IV|145 pages

International business, corporate social responsibility, and development

chapter 10|22 pages

CSR in developing countries

Competing perspectives on businesses, their roles, and responsibilities

chapter 12|24 pages

Corporate social responsibility and development

The case of international business firms in emerging economies

chapter 13|19 pages

Analysis of MNEs’ social practices in Latin America

Implications for development studies research

part V|98 pages

Local firms, organizations, and development

chapter 16|20 pages

When do businesses innovate in a developing country? 1

An empirical investigation of determinants of innovative performance for Ugandan micro and small businesses

chapter 17|23 pages

Microfinance programs and women’s empowerment 1

New evidence from the rural middle hills of Nepal

chapter 18|24 pages

Social entrepreneurship as a vehicle for inclusive development

The case of Siya Sebenza in South Africa

chapter 19|29 pages

Micro and small business clusters and local development policies 1

Insights from India–Italy cooperation projects