The Eastern Turn in Responsible Enterprise: A Yearly Review of Corporate Responsibility from Lifeworth Consulting

Abstract

The Eastern Turn is described in terms of the shifting locus of responsible enterprise challenges and the origin of responsible enterprise ideas and initiatives, that arise due to the growing power of the Middle East and Asia.

The review notes how, until now, most research, practice, and education on matters of corporate responsibility has been dominated by “the West”. Transnational Corporations (TNCs), Nongovernmental Organisations, (NGOs), consulting firms and academic institutions from Europe and North America have led the agenda, amidst strong domestic drivers for voluntary corporate responses to societal issues, including consumer awareness, independent media, active civil society and an ambivalence towards government intervention. This review provides ample evidence of how that situation is changing rapidly and discusses some of the implications for business people, policy makers and reseachers around the world.