Global Policies and Local Practice: Loose and Tight Couplings in Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives

Business Ethics Quarterly, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 679-708

50 Pages Posted: 15 Aug 2012

Date Written: August 15, 2012

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.

Keywords: multi-stakeholder initiatives, corporate social responsibility, global governance, loose coupling, network theory, globalization

Suggested Citation

Rasche, Andreas, Global Policies and Local Practice: Loose and Tight Couplings in Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives (August 15, 2012). Business Ethics Quarterly, Vol. 22, No. 4, pp. 679-708, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2129694

Andreas Rasche (Contact Author)

Copenhagen Business School ( email )

Solbjerg Plads 3
Frederiksberg C, DK - 2000
Denmark

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