ABSTRACT
The several Global Compact (GC) principles cover a broad range of issues. In 2016, more than 8,000 companies and 4,000 other organizations pledged to adhere to the GC principle. GC subscriber organizations are encouraged to “share information on progress” periodically. In spite of these positive points, the GC has been criticized on a handful of issues. Norms for responsible business can also be classified in a wide variety of additional ways. Industry and sector initiatives focus on a specific type of business, instead of providing advice for businesses in general. Cause-focused norms, such as the Forest Stewardship Council for the protection of forests, focus on single or narrow sets of causes. The United Nations’ (UN) background in the promotion of human rights and its engagement in social, environmental, and economic causes for the good of the world community has led to the UN taking a strong interest in responsible business.
