In this episode, I want to explode a few myths about corporate responsibility in developing countries. Most of these myths exist as a result of the feeding frenzy that inevitably occurs every time the media has hunted down and sunk its teeth into one or other juicy story of corporate exploitation. The myths are also sustained, however, by whole legions of largely well-intentioned people in developed countries who have vested interests in promoting their particular brand of the truth about corporate responsibility. The seven myths are:
- Economic growth is not good
- Multinationals are the biggest sinners
- Multinationals are the biggest saviours
- Developing countries are anti-multinational
- Corporate responsibility is the same the world over
- Developed countries lead on corporate responsibility
- Codes can ensure corporate responsibility