The view that maximising profit is the only thing that counts can’t survive in this age of globalisation and instant social media. Reputations of companies can be destroyed immediately if they don’t behave sustainable. Ofcourse, some industries can afford to avoid these environmental and social concerns. Mobile phones are an example of this. They look innocent and harmless, but the Congolese army, who causes violence and uses forced labour, controls a lot of the trades in minerals used in phones.
Big business plays a very important role for the future as well as environmentally, socially and economically. Corporate behaviour will be controlled as it starts to play a major role, especially for developed countries. The relation between western companies and the developing world could lead to two different directions. If western companies act sustainable, resources will be sensibly husbanded and developing countries will become more wealthy, which leads to new markets with new businesses. If western companies ignore responsible behaviour, this could lead to an environmental, social and economic dystopia where nationalism and protectionism would be key-words.
I do agree with the fact that corporate behaviour becomes more and more important, but the view of maximising profit has led to the big economy we have today. Still, sustainability is necessary for the future. The Gulf of Mexico oil spill, which was a recent event, has affected the reputation of BP and is well-known around the world. This is a great example that fits in this context.
Van Liedekerke Jonas
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