Business Respect

A free CSR newsletter published fortnightly and intended for an international audience giving news on the latest developments with the practice of corporate social responsibility - the emerging issues for business and the key companies in the news.

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The latest issue is number 130, dated 22 Jun 2008. In this issue, we review a new toolkit for marketers on CSR.

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Archive of past issues

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#129/10 Jun 2008

In this issue, we look at companies that use their marketing to influence consumer behaviour towards sustainability.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#128/26 May 2008

In this issue, we look at the phenomenon of 'stealth marketing'.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#127/11 May 2008

In this issue, we consider the plight of the Olympic Games sponsors.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#126/27 Apr 2008

In this issue, we review a report on managing CSR issues with small companies through the supply chain.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#125/13 Apr 2008

In this issue, we look at how the top food companies are responding to the challenge of obesity.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#124/31 Mar 2008

In this issue, we ask whether the banks can ever treat customers fairly.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#123/16 Mar 2008

In this issue we consider alternatives to feeling guilty about flying.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#122/2 Mar 2008

In this issue, we review a report on what will be the new social taboos of the future.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#121/17 Feb 2008

In this issue, we ask whether the emerging CSR standards help or hinder companies wanting to create radical change.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#120/3 Feb 2008

In this issue, we ask what progress there has been in reduced harm tobacco products.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#119/20 Jan 2008

In this issue, we consider the role of innovation in corporate sustainability.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#118/6 Jan 2008

In this issue, we make predictions for the next five years, and we welcome our first corporate sponsor, the Change for Good network.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#117/23 Dec 2007

In this issue, we review what happened in corporate social responsibility in 2007.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#116/9 Dec 2007

In this edition, we discuss the recent fine for UK supermarkets on milk prices, and the impossible dilemma it presents for the future.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#115/28 Oct 2007

In this issue, we consider the implications of the Soil Association's move to restrict air-freighted produce from its organic certification.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#114/14 Oct 2007

In this issue, we consider the industries that will have the hardest time adapting to climate change.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#113/30 Sep 2007

In this issue, we consider the current state of play in corporate social responsibility across the world.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#111/8 Jul 2007

In this issue, we look at the issues around vulnerable customers to coincide with the launch of the All Party Parliamentary Report to take place later this month.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#110/13 May 2007

In this issue, we consider whether private equity takeovers mean the end of corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#109/18 Mar 2007

In this issue, we consider the recent initiative to introduce carbon labelling for products.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#108/25 Feb 2007

In this issue, we review the recent report on 'how to earn consumer trust'.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#107/11 Feb 2007

In this issue, we ask whether the motor companies are failing to meet the challenge of climate change.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#106/3 Dec 2006

In this issue, we introduce the Marketplace Responsibility Principles - launched this month by Business in the Community.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#105/12 Nov 2006

In this issue, we look at anti-corruption as part of responsible business practice drawing on some reflections from Nigeria by David Grayson.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#104/8 Oct 2006

In this issue, we look at issues of trust, and whether companies now face greater challenges with the rise of new social networks.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#103/17 Sep 2006

In this issue, we look at climate change as a key issue in corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#102/3 Sep 2006

In this issue, we review a critical attack on Prahalad's case for treating the poorest in the world as customers to alleviate poverty.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#101/13 Aug 2006

In this issue, we consider the business case for CSR.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#100/30 Jul 2006

In this issue, we review the OECD tool for businesses in weak governance zones, and we celebrate 100 issues of Business Respect!

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#99/16 Jul 2006

In this issue, we consider what PepsiCo and Microsoft have to tell us about the value of a corporate personality, and we hear from the FSC on Uruguay.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#98/2 Jul 2006

In this issue, we consider how sustainability will ever be achieved if not through business action and innovation.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#97/18 Jun 2006

In this issue, we review the newly launched International NGO Accountability Charter.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#96/4 Jun 2006

In this issue, we consider whether the best respected badge for sustainable forestry is covering up bad practice in Uruguay

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#95/21 May 2006

In this issue, we review the progress and dilemmas for supermarket giants Wal-Mart and Tesco.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#94/7 May 2006

In this issue, following the purchase of the Body Shop by L'Oreal we look at the dilemmas presented by the niche ethical brands.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#93/23 Apr 2006

In this issue, we look at draft Principles of how business should respond to demands that they make their money responsibly.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#92/9 Apr 2006

In this issue, we review the 'Social Footprint', a new tool aiming to measure corporate social impact.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#91/26 Mar 2006

In this issue, we consider the emerging issue of tax and CSR, and we reflect on the new EU business alliance.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#90/12 Mar 2006

In this issue, we review the interim report of the UN special representative on business and human rights, and look at the dilemma facing ExxonMobil in Chad.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#89/26 Feb 2006

In this issue, we consider the fine points of the controversy around how the internet companies operate in China.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#87/30 Oct 2005

In this issue, we review how Tamiflu maker Roche is coping with the raised expectations on bird flu.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#86/18 Sep 2005

In this issue, we ask whether companies that make products that kill can ever be socially responsible.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#85/29 Jul 2005

In this edition, we note that CSR reporting is approaching a crossroads, and wonder which direction it will take.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#84/7 Jul 2005

In this issue, we look again at the emerging issue of corporate lobbying.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#83/16 Jun 2005

In this issue, we consider ISO's proposed new ISO 26000 social responsibility standard, and ask how valuable such a standard may be to businesses aiming to improve their performance.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#82/16 May 2005

In this issue, we review the state of corporate social responsibility in Kazakhstan.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#80/24 Jan 2005

In this issue, we ask whether the business response to the tsunami disaster went too far.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#79/12 Dec 2004

In this issue, we consider whether business can provide the answer to poverty through treating those at the 'bottom of the pyramid' as more viable consumers

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#78/20 Oct 2004

In this issue, we review The Corporation, the book and film that challenges some of the basic assumptions about what good business means

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#77/24 Aug 2004

In this issue, we ask whether CSR is equal to the challenges set out in the Millennium Development Goals.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#76/19 Jul 2004

In this edition, we review the outcome of the recent Business in the Community awards and the controversy around Marks & Spencer being named 'company of the year'.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#75/13 Jun 2004

In this issue, we challenge some of the hysteria over the role of the corporate sector in the obesity debate.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#74/23 May 2004

In this issue, we return to the subject of small companies and social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#73/18 Apr 2004

In this issue, we look at how corporate revenues can be misappropriated by corrupt governments, and ask what can be done.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#72/14 Mar 2004

In this issue, we review the results of the second Corporate Responsibility Index from Business in the Community.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#71/29 Feb 2004

In this issue, we look at how much companies can be held responsible for the misuse of their products.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#70/1 Feb 2004

In this issue, we review the social responsibility of media companies in the light of the recent Hutton Report's damning of the conduct of the BBC.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#69/11 Jan 2004

In this edition, we review our predictions for the next five years in corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#68/21 Dec 2003

In this issue, we review events in corporate social responsibility during the previous year.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#67/30 Nov 2003

In this issue, we review the state of corporate social responsibility in South Korea following its recent International Symposium.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#66/16 Nov 2003

In this issue, as NGOs say they don't believe CSR reports, we consider again how the NOGs themselves should be judged for what they do or don't do in the name of holding companies to account.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#65/2 Nov 2003

In this issue, we review the recent World Bank report on barriers to the effectiveness of codes and standards in the supply chain.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#64/19 Oct 2003

In this issue, we ask whether a company can practice corporate social responsibility AND relocate jobs to developing countries.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#63/28 Sep 2003

In this issue, we review events as the Asian Forum on CSR in Bangkok and the Ethical Corporation conference in Singapore.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#62/7 Sep 2003

In this issue, we review the range of corporate social responsibility issues arising from how companies operate in the marketplace.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#61/17 Aug 2003

In this issue, we review the UN Draft Norms on the Responsibilities of Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#60/27 Jul 2003

In this issue, we review 'Redefining CSR' by Mark Goyder of the Centre for Tomorrow's Company.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#59/13 Jul 2003

In this edition, we look at the lessons for CSR reporting from the final report of the Business Impact Review Group.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#58/22 Jun 2003

In this issue, we review the challenge facing corporate community involvement in Japan.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#57/1 Jun 2003

In this issue, we consider a socially responsible company has any business lobbying and campaigning to shape public policy.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#56/18 May 2003

In this edition, we review the corporate social responsibility issues within the workplace.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#55/4 May 2003

In this issue, we consider the controversy around executive remuneration.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#54/20 Apr 2003

In this issue, we review GlaxoSmithKline's recent social and environmental report.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#53/6 Apr 2003

In this issue Business Respect celebrates its second birthday and reviews the new AA1000 Assurance Standard.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#52/23 Mar 2003

In this issue, we review the issues around the social responsibilities of the American retail phenomenon Wal-Mart.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#51/9 Mar 2003

In this issue, we review the history of corporate social reporting.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#50/23 Feb 2003

In this issue, we consider the difficulties for businesses of coming to terms with the human rights agenda.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#49/9 Feb 2003

In this issue we discover the very first sustainability report - probably! - and we profile Australia's Westpac, recent top scorer in the reputation index.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#48/26 Jan 2003

In this edition, with the World Economic Forum continuing in Davos, we review what CEOs are currently saying about corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#47/12 Jan 2003

In this issue, we ponder the future of CSR reporting if no-one actually reads the reports, and we review CSR Europe's Impacts of Reporting.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#47/12 Jan 2003

In this issue, we ponder the future of CSR reporting if no-one actually reads the reports, and we review CSR Europe's Impacts of Reporting.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#46/29 Dec 2002

This issue we review progress on last year's predictions for the next five years in corporate social responsibility. And we wish all our readers a happy new year!

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#45/15 Dec 2002

In this issue, we look back on what happened during 2002 in the field of corporate social responsibility

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#44/1 Dec 2002

This issue we review the half term report for the European Campaign for CSR, and we (completely objectively!) preview the launch of the new Business in the Community website.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#43/17 Nov 2002

In this issue, we report the debate between senior business advocates and the chief CSR sceptics on the business case - and indeed the social case - for corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#42/3 Nov 2002

In this edition, we reflect on the Nike court case on free speech and consider the case for a new ISO standard on corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#41/20 Oct 2002

In this issue we review the first CSR report from Ireland's Musgrave Group and hear more arguments Oxfam's case on fairtrade coffee.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#40/4 Oct 2002

In this issue, we ask whether or not we really expect businesses to save the world - by taking action where governments have failed? Also, we get feedback on the Oxfam campaign on coffee.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#39/18 Sep 2002

In this issue we review the fall from grace of the charismatic CEO in general, and Jack Welch in particular. We follow it up with a new voting question on the ethics of high levels of executive pay.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#38/8 Sep 2002

In this issue we review the latest official Global Reporting Initiative guidelines for CSR reporting and we conclude the vote on socially responsible companies and damaging products.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#37/25 Aug 2002

In this issue, we look for a more mature definition of CSR post-Enron, and we review AngloGold's recent CSR report.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#36/11 Aug 2002

In this issue we respond to attacks on business involvement in the Rio+ 10 Earth Summit, and we review the Corporate Accountability Report of South African Breweries.

Business Respect - CSR Dispatches#35/28 Jul 2002

In this issue, we consider the role of BHP Billiton OK Tedi mine, and we review Oxfam's challenge to the pharmaceutical industry

Business Respect#34/14-July-2002

In this issue, we consider the new European white paper on corporate social responsibility and ask you to vote on whether you can be socially responsible whilst selling harmful products.

Business Respect#33/30-June-2002

In this issue, we consider the new AA1000S Assurance Standard, and review the latest Social and Environmental Report from the Danone Group.

Business Respect#32/16-June-2002

In this issue, we review the verdict in the Anderson trial. Also we look at the impact on labour practices in India of the compliance programmes of the big US and European companies.

Business Respect#31/2-June-2002

In this issue, we consider the state of CSR reporting in Canada and take a case study from TransAlta.

Business Respect#30/18-May-2002

In this issue, we follow up last issue's piece on small to medium sized companies by asking just what does the CSR movement want small businesses to do - and why?

Business Respect#29/4-May-2002

In this issue, we outline some of the tools available to small to medium sized companies on CSR, and we review the sustainability report of Australian mining company WMC.

Business Respect#28/20-Apr-2002

In this issue, we review McDonald's first social responsibility report. We also feed back from last issue's reader survey.

Business Respect#27/6-Apr-2002

In this issue, we note the inauguration of the Global Reporting Initiative but wonder if the new GRI framework draft is really fit for purpose and we consider the new French law on CSR reporting. Also we celebrate our first anniversary - one year of Business Respect!

Business Respect#26/23-Mar-2002

In this issue, we consider the contribution made by SA8000 as a social standard, we ask just how sustainable is BP, and we pick up on the controversy about just what research validity underpins criticisms of Nike's performance.

Business Respect#25/9-Mar-2002

In this issue we take President Bush's ten point plan for corporate responsibility, the PwC global CEO survey and try to identify a visionary commitment for CEOs on the primary role of business. We also get feedback on CSR in China.

Business Respect#24/23-Feb-2002

In this issue we ask how should Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) be accountable to the companies they target. We review Unocal's latest CSR report, and get feedback from the World Economic Forum Corporate Citizenship team.

Business Respect#23/9-Feb-2002

In this issue, we look at the outcome from the World Economic Forum. We also review General Motors, five years after signing up to the CERES Principles.

Business Respect#22/26-Jan-2002

In this issue we look at the wisdom or otherwise of advertising your corporate philanthropy. We also review feedback from the Lord Melchett affair, and announce a major improvement to the website.

Business Respect#21/12-Jan-2002

In this edition we look at ECS2000 - a management standard developed to assure corporate ethical and fair behaviour in Japan. We also ponder the environmental movement's criticism of Lord Melchett for "joining the enemy"

Business Respect#20/29-Dec-2001

In this edition we look back on what happened during 2001 in the field of corporate social responsibility.

Business Respect#19/15-Dec-2001

In this edition we revisit one of the main arguments against corporate social responsibility - and it all revolves around shareholder rights and responsibilities.

Business Respect#18/1-Dec-2001

In this edition we look at CSR reporting and the new BITC website portal, we go back to the BSR conference with a report on the development of CSR in India and its surrounding countries. We also introduce a regular round-up of CSR feature articles on the internet.

Business Respect#17/17-Nov-2001

In this edition we report from the BSR conference on CSR in South Africa and Asia, and the socially responsible approach of Starbucks.

Business Respect#16/3-Nov-2001

In this edition we look at how the recent challenges to the pharmaceutical patents on anthrax drugs change the landscape once again . Also, we report the arrival of "Everybody's Business", the new book on CSR by David Grayson and Adrian Hodges.

Business Respect#15/20-Oct-2001

In this edition we look at how the mere fact of Jack Welch's success poses a major challenge to the CSR business case. Also, we review the new Nike CSR report, and we announce a change of editorial team.

Business Respect#14/6-Oct-2001

In this edition we look at how customer and employee loyalty can be a driver for, as well as a result of, a well-managed approach to CSR.

Business Respect#13/22-Sept-2001

In this edition we stick our neck out with predictions for CSR over the next five years. Will CSR survive recession, or even war? What will be the key tension that divides the CSR movement in two? And what will come to be the key benchmark for the socially responsible company?

Business Respect#12/8-Sept-2001

In this edition, we look at the prospect of CSR in China, and we review the latest sustainability report from Bristol Myers Squibb.

Business Respect#11/25-Aug-2001

In this edition we look at powerful accusations that the baby products industry could save babies' lives through greater social responsibility. We also review the latest citizenship report from Weyerhaeuser.

Business Respect#10/11-Aug-2001

In this edition we review the achievements and controversies of the UN Global Compact, which passed its first birthday a few weeks ago. Also we review the Ford social and environmental report.

Business Respect#9/28-July-2001

In this edition we ask how bad things have to get on human rights before a company should pull out of a country, we consider the further development of the accountability standard AA1000, and we review the European Commission's Green Paper on Corporate Social Responsibility.

Business Respect#8/14-July-2001

In this edition, we report on the launch of the new socially responsible index, FTSE4good - who's in, and who's out. We also review the results of the UK's Business in the Community Awards for Excellence.

Business Respect#7/30-June-2001

In this edition we report from Copenhagen on the conference on CSR and the New Economy. Does there need to be a new kind of social business to be run privately and provide public goods? And why is the fact that Americans are having fewer picnics of importance to companies seeking to invest in the health of the community?

Business Respect#6/16-June-2001

In this edition we take a tour of some of the CSR-related internet services - current and planned. Also, with the impending sale of the Body Shop, we consider its impact. We review the latest social and environmental report from the Co-operative Bank.

Business Respect#5/2-June-2001

In this edition, with the Ford / Firestone product recall turning into unprecedented public wrangling, we consider the history and the lessons. We look at some of the recent CSR-connected awards, and review the latest social and environmental report from Agilent Technologies.

Business Respect#4/19-May-2001

In this edition, with the furore over the Danone Group's downsizing, we consider whether it is ever possible to downsize in a socially responsible way. We note the work carried out by Anglo American plc on tackling AIDS in its workforce in Africa. Also, we review the new social and environmental reports from Novo Group (which some will know better as Novo Nordisk).

Business Respect#3/5-May-2001

In this edition, along with much of the world's media, we reflect on the significance of the May day riots. Plus, we review the controversial social and environmental report for Talisman Energy.

Business Respect#2/21-April-2001

In this edition, we look at the ongoing issue around how drugs companies sell AIDS drugs to Africa, and John March reviews the latest social and environmental report from Shell.

Business Respect#1/6-April-2001

In this issue, we look at whether the main oil businesses are as far behind on global warming as the new leader of the free world. We also ask the question why, if CSR is good for business, are the most successful businesses not the most responsible ones?

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