ABSTRACT
We seem to be at a critical juncture in history. As innumerous theorists and social commentators point out (e.g., Margolis & Walsh, 2003; Miller, 1999; Ritzer, 2004), the world cries out for repair. Alongside human ills such as war, poverty, and disease exist ever more alarming environmental crises, including global warming, deforestation, and species extinction (Carey & Shapiro, 2004; Malhi et al., 2008; The Scientists Speak, 2007; see also Hamilton & Gioia, Chapter 19). As these social and natural maladies mount, the governmental and nongovernmental sectors are increasingly ill-equipped to handle the burden. Meanwhile, relative to the other sectors, businesses continue to gain prominence and power in the global arena (Kaliski, 2001). Globalization puts business organizations center stage (Cormack & Fitzgerald, 2006). Businesses affect an expanding range of stakeholders in more geographic locations both directly and indirectly through their influence on social policy (Cormack & Fitzgerald, 2006). Therefore, for-profit organizations are particularly capable of exerting widespread influence (Doh & Guay, 2006).
