ABSTRACT

In November 1995, after the Brent Spar events of the summer of the same year, Shell was hit for the second time by public outrage, this time in connection with the tragic and unjust execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa by the Nigerian military government of Sani Abacha. Apart from this great reputational and morale impact, the financial impact was not material. The Shell General Business Principles that had been promulgated in the 1970s through work by the late Sir Geoffrey Chandler were ground-breaking in their time. Shell companies seek a high standard of performance and aim to maintain a long-term position in their respective competitive environments. Shell companies act in a socially responsible manner within the laws of the countries in which they operate in pursuit of their legitimate commercial objectives. In addition Shell companies take a constructive interest in societal matters which may not be directly related to the business.