The Cosmopolitical Corporation

Journal of Business Ethics · 2009 · Volume 84 · Issue 3

Abstract

In light of recent attempts to determine the political role and status of corporations I discuss the normative implications of considering multinational corporations (MNCs) as political actors. I posit that corporations do indeed have a new political role in a connected world, in particular with respect to matters of human rights, social and environmental justice. We thus find a growing need for ethical and political knowledge to inform and guide the emergingpolitical co-responsibilityof MNCs. I draw on the rich literature in cosmopolitanism to seek such guidance and discuss some of the implications that a cosmopolitan perspective implies.

Keywords

cosmopolitanism, social justice, global business ethics, global corporate citizenship

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