ABSTRACT
Experiencing and observing the evolution of societies and economies in various countries over several decades one faces the unavoidable question of why in some countries the process of development has been a relatively happy and successful one, while in others it has repeatedly sunk into quagmires of failure. The company’s efforts may even have been initially intended simply to bring order and system to a country to allow businesses to operate, but this slides easily into behaviour that preferentially benefits the company. On the other hand, in the absence of some reforming efforts a government may continue to pursue courses of action and behaviour that lead to disaster. For example, as elsewhere in the world, Shell in Nigeria pursued a policy of strict non-interference in local politics. The chapter suggests that it is inappropriate and improper for individual companies to go beyond offering advice, but readers will form their own opinion.
