ABSTRACT
It should be possible to establish the limits of social responsibility by means of the reputation mechanism. That is, in any event, one of the most important arguments of especially corpo-rations and governments (Chapter 11). Can this claim be substantiated? In particular when a conflict flares up between an organization and critical stakeholders over corporate responsibil-ities, it can be ascertained whether the claim is founded. The reputation mechanism is supposed to have a corrective effect which manifests in demonstrable damage to consumer, capital and/or labour markets. Depending on the importance of each of these markets to the continuity of a company, the general reputation is supposed to play a very significant role. But does this effect apply to all firms equally?
