The ethical potential of social responsibility in the international field

contributions to the effective realization of human rights in the business environment

Abstract

This work presents a review of the concept of corporate social responsibility based on an ethical approach to human rights. It is hypothesized that social responsibility and human rights share an ethical potential that, beyond any legal linkability, can contribute to an effective realization of human rights in the business environment. Firstly, the scopes of the concept of social responsibility in relation to the responsibility of companies for violation of human rights are posed. Secondly, the process of legal configuration, both internally by States and internationally, of corporate responsibility in relation to human rights violations is analyzed. Thirdly, the ethical-relational character of social responsibility is developed, which, in articulation with the ethical aspect of human rights, and beyond its linkability, can inspire a peaceful coexistence, in difference, from the logic of the reception of otherness. Based on this ethico-relational approach, alternatives to the hegemonic economic model are tracked down, underlining the modern liberal legal-economic logic, in order to stimulate the gestation of a more plural, more supportive, and more fraternal legal-economic model.