Abstract
This paper extends scholarship on multi-stakeholder initiatives (MSIs) in the context of corporate social responsibility in three ways. First, I outline a framework to analyze the strength of couplings between actors participating in MSIs. Characterizing a MSI as consisting of numerous local networks that are embedded in a wider global network, I argue that tighter couplings (within local networks) and looser couplings (between local networks) coexist. Second, I suggest that this coexistence of couplings enables MSIs to generate policy outcomes which address the conditions of a transnational regulatory context. I argue that MSIs’ way of organizing enables them to cope with three challenges: the stability, flexibility, and legitimacy of governance. Reflecting on these challenges, the article identifies a number of problems related to MSIs’ role in transnational governance. Third, I discuss the UN Global Compact as an illustrative case and examine problems and opportunities related to its stability, flexibility, and legitimacy.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Publication date | 2012 |
Number of pages | 50 |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |
Event | The 28th EGOS Colloquium 2012: Design!? - Helsinki, Finland Duration: 5 Jul 2012 → 7 Jul 2012 Conference number: 28 http://www.egosnet.org/archive/2012_helsinki/general_theme |
Conference
Conference | The 28th EGOS Colloquium 2012 |
---|---|
Number | 28 |
Country/Territory | Finland |
City | Helsinki |
Period | 05/07/2012 → 07/07/2012 |
Internet address |