Ethical Corporation’s review of the best new reading
Conflict of Interest in Global, Public and Corporate Governance
By Anne Peters and Lukas Handschin (eds)
Hardcover: 496 pages, $125
ISBN: 1107029325
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: November 2012
Conflicts of interest aren’t good. That much is clear. But the current spate of regulation to try and forestall, prevent and manage conflicts of interest isn’t without its faults either. Think, the stifling of decision-making processes or the loss of expertise among decision-makers. A timely and balanced take on what is becoming a major governance issue.
Business and Community: the story of corporate social responsibility in India
By Pushpa Sundar
Hardcover: 392 pages, $49.95
ISBN: 8132109554
Publisher: Sage Publications
Published: November 2012
This intriguing historical narrative looks at the evolution of the ideas and practices of corporate responsibility in India through a long lens. Major landmarks, personalities and influences are all covered. An important scene-setter for one of Asia’s most important markets.
Board Directors and Corporate Social Responsibility
By Sabri Boubaker and Duc Khuong Nguyen (eds)
Hardcover: 288 pages, $100
ISBN: 0230389295
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: November 2012
From poor corporate reporting to excessive executive compensation, boardrooms are in the spotlight more than ever when it comes to responsible business. This volume presents a collection of studies on developments to integrate CSR into board-level management and governance procedures.
Fair Trade and the Citizen-Consumer: shopping for justice?
By Kathryn Wheeler
Hardcover: 272 pages, $90
ISBN: 0230301428
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: November 2012
Drawing on examples from the UK, Sweden and the US, this book introduces readers to key players in the burgeoning fair trade goods market. Focusing on collective action rather than models of individualised consumer choice, it provides valuable insights into current thinking around sustainable consumption behaviour and “new” forms of consumer participation.
Corporate Sustainability: integrating performance and reporting
By Ann Brockett and Zabihollah Rezaee
Hardcover: 336 pages, $75
ISBN: 1118122364
Publisher: Wiley
Published: November 2012
This practitioner-focused book examines methods for integrating sustainability into strategy, governance, risk assessment, performance management and the reporting process. Full of the latest rules and standards on non-financial reporting and assurance, all illustrated with best practice examples. Nerdy, but necessary.
The Business Leader’s Guide to the Low-Carbon Economy
Hardcover: 180 pages, $114.95
ISBN: 1409423514
Publisher: Gower
Published: November 2012
This step-by-step guide spells out how to future-proof your company against the risks of climate change, while also providing an insight into the market opportunities for low-carbon goods and services. Asda, BT, Coca-Cola, Wal-Mart and ZipCar appear in the book’s impressive list of corporate case studies.
CSR in the Middle East: fresh perspective
By Dima Jamali and Yusuf Sidani (eds)
Hardcover: 216 pages, $95
ISBN: 0230348211
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Published: October 2012
Corporate responsibility in the Middle East presents unique challenges. This compilation by regional experts covers a range of topical issues, including: environmental management in Jordan, responsible human resource in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, non-financial reporting in the region, and responsible business among SMEs.
The Changing Profile of Corporate Climate Change Risk
By Dr Mark Trexler and Laura Kosloff
ebook: 85 pages, £30
ISBN: 1909293014
Publisher: Dō Publishing
Published: September 2012
Climate risk remains a critical issue for business, even if global policymakers can’t decide what to do about it. As well as operational and supply-side physical risks, this short and punchy book details risks to corporate brands, market structures and liability. A helpful guide for (re)assessing your company’s risk profile.