ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the emergence of new models of collective corporate action over the past four decades. It briefly discusses the global trends, and the individual champions, companies and foundations that have driven the growth in business-led corporate responsibility coalitions. The book analyzes the key roles that coalitions have played and are playing to raise awareness of corporate responsibility and sustainability, help embed responsible business practices within individual company operations and value chains. It outlines how coalitions are organizing themselves in terms of governance, funding and management. The book examines the range of issues that different coalitions now cover and how coalitions are networking among themselves. It explores how effective they have been in scaling corporate responsibility to more companies, regions and issues and at a more systemic level of transforming value chains, markets and public policy.
