ABSTRACT

This chapter deals with the third stage of the norm cycle - norm internalization. The norm consolidation suggests that at least three different developments results in convergence on specific manifestations of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): the development of social labelling, the attempt within the UN to establish formal standards for transnational companies (TNCs) through the UN Draft Norms and the voluntary initiative on the UN Global Compact. Conformity to CSR would obviously involve both the adoption of and compliance with legislation and support for and adherence to important voluntary regulatory initiatives. According to the arguments of the norm cycle, it is presumed that when norm internalization occurrs, norms are more or less taken for granted and become the prevailing standards of appropriateness, they are to a certain extent difficult to actually perceive. Many companies adopt codes of conduct, devote staff and resources to work on CSR, publish social reporting, and engage in multi-stakeholder organizations or even in Business Initiatives Organizations.