WEEK 3, CH2 Flashcards
(38 cards)
What are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
17 UN goals set in 2015 to address global challenges (like poverty, inequality, climate change) by 2030.
What role are businesses expected to play in achieving the SDGs?
By promoting innovation, acting responsibly, and adopting sustainable practices.
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR or CSGs)?
A form of self-regulation where companies support societal goals through philanthropy, ethics, or activism.
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Environmental, economic, and social dimensions.
Who are stakeholders in a business context?
Anyone affected by a company’s actions — including employees, customers, investors, and suppliers.
What are human rights in this context?
Basic rights and freedoms that apply to every person, protected by law from birth to death.
What does ethics refer to in business?
What is morally right or wrong in corporate behavior
What key international document protects human rights?
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948).
Why are businesses expected to uphold human rights today?
Because issues like climate change and inequality have made companies major actors in human rights and sustainability.
How are SDGs connected to human rights?
They link sustainability and human dignity, positioning businesses as partners in solving global challenges.
Why is the shareholder-only view outdated?
Modern business thinking emphasizes stakeholders, not just profits.
What is the stakeholder-centric model?
A business model that combines financial success with social and environmental accountability.
What are businesses expected to do regarding human rights?
Comply with legal standards
Act morally by promoting fair labor, environmental protection, and ethical supply chains
What are the four business benefits of respecting human rights and sustainability goals?
Risk reduction
Reputation improvement
Innovation opportunities
Investor trust
How is the role of businesses in human rights changing?
There’s a shift from voluntary CSR to legal accountability.
Who traditionally enforced human rights protections?
Governments, through laws like the Clean Air Act.
What new forces are holding businesses accountable for human rights?
Market mechanisms
Stakeholder pressure
Public/media scrutiny
What are Bill Gates’ views on business and environmental responsibility?
Supports regulation to address environmental harm
Encourages innovation to reduce emissions
Warns of “hidden costs” of carbon and the need for corporate accountability
What do media and public scrutiny do in the context of CSR?
They push companies toward ethical behavior and ESG compliance.
What is shareholder activism?
hen investors pressure companies to adopt ethical and sustainable policies.
What does “The Shore Turns the Ship” mean?
Environmental and human rights crises are forcing companies to change, even when global enforcement is weak.
Why is Shell v. Milieudefensie significant?
It shows courts can hold companies legally responsible for their impact on the environment and human rights.
What is the Shell vs. Milieudefensie (2021) case about?
A Dutch court ordered Shell to reduce CO₂ emissions by 45% by 2030, framing climate change as a human rights issue.
What does the case of Royal Philips illustrate?
How purpose-driven leadership and integration of SDGs (e.g., healthcare access, carbon neutrality) lead to long-term success.
