ABSTRACT
For the subsidiaries of multinationals operating in South Asia, an active press combined with assertive NGOs often means that malpractice can reverberate back to metropolitan audiences far faster than from other developing regions of the world. An appreciation of the importance of world-class corporate responsibility is now spreading. Over 90 South Asian businesses have now signalled their support to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact, 13% of the total, with India having the third-highest number of supporters apart from Spain and the Philippines. Local traditions of philanthropy dominate the agenda of South Asian companies. Most large industrial houses on the subcontinent still restrict themselves to philanthropic activities such as establishing foundations and supporting social projects, such as hospitals and schools. In India, the level of awareness of the corporate sector and civil-society groups is much higher, with extensive debate and discussion on how corporate responsibility could become part of mainstream business practice.
