In recent years, issues of business ethics, social responsibility, and accountability have been at the forefront of corporate policymaking and public concerns. Dramatic stories of abuse of stakeholder trust and outright criminal behavior at companies like Enron, Global Crossing, and Tyco have triggered a reexamination of the role of corporations in society and of the responsibilities of executives, managers, and board members—and the accountants who are supposed to watch over them.

This landmark set of essays brings new clarity to the issues, as societies around the world begin to hold corporations and their leaders to higher standards of conduct. Covering a huge array of topics from white collar crime to community partnerships, whistle blowing to corporate philanthropy, and featuring insights from the world’s leading academics, business leaders, and consultants, including strategy guru Michael Porter, Enron whistleblower Sherron Watkins, and famed international corporate attorney, Ira Milllstein, The Accountable Corporation provides provocative analysis, cultural and historical context, and emerging solutions from the public, private, and non-profit sectors toward more responsible, ethical, and accountable business.

Features

Volume 1 provides in-depth discussion of corporate governance, with emphasis on the legal and institutional implications of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which led to extensive changes in corporate procedures, controls, and reporting. Topics covered include the historical evolution of governance, the roles and responsibilities of directors and institutional investors, and efforts to improve corporate leadership in an age of public scrutiny. Contributors include: Sir Adrian Cadbury on The Rise of Corporation Governance Holly Gregory on International Corporate Governance Jay Lorsch on Empowering the Board Volume 2 explores the principle of business ethics in both theory and practice, shedding light on the philosophical, religious, and moral foundations of business ethics; the development of ethical business cultures; the practice of ethical decision making; and the emergence of ethics as an essential component of the business school curriculum. Contributors include: Richard DeGeorge on The History of Business Ethics Rushworth Kidder on Ethical Decision-Making and Moral Courage Laura Nash on The New Realities of International Business Ethics Volume 3 highlights the debate over the corporation's responsibilities as an agent of social change and influence, with essays on corporate citizenship and community development, entrepreneurship and social investing, and environmentally sustainable business practices-and considering the effects of these practices on corporate strategy and performance. Contributors include: John Elkington on The Triple Bottom Line Stuart Hart on Embracing the Base of the Pyramid Mark Wade on A Commitment to Sustainable Development Volume 4 focuses on the sometimes antagonistic and sometimes too-cozy relationship between business and government, and showcases innovative efforts around the world to create collaborative policies and programs that promote both corporate profitability and social welfare. Contributors include: Fruzsina Harsanyi on Values-Based Leadership Marcia Miceli and Janet Near on Understanding Whistle-Blowing Effectiveness Manuel Velasquez and Kirk Hanson on Managing Conflicts of Interest