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cover of episode Conscience incorporated: pursuing profits while protecting human rights

Conscience incorporated: pursuing profits while protecting human rights

2025/5/19
logo of podcast LSE: Public lectures and events

LSE: Public lectures and events
AI Chapters Transcript
Chapters
This chapter explores the limitations of governments in addressing global challenges, highlighting the growing power of corporations and the need for a new approach to corporate accountability. It uses GDP comparisons to demonstrate the significant economic influence of corporations.
  • Governments' limitations in solving global problems like terrorism, poverty, and crises.
  • The significant economic power of multinational corporations compared to national GDPs.
  • The need to include private sector in the human rights conversation.

Shownotes Transcript

Contributor(s): Professor Michael Posner | Join us for the launch of Conscience Incorporated by Michael Posner. In today’s world, where corporations wield immense power and influence, how can business leaders balance the pursuit of profits with ethical responsibility? Drawing from decades of experience as a human rights lawyer, former State Department official, and Director of the Centre for Business and Human Rights at NYU Stern School of Business, Posner presents a clear roadmap for business leaders to align profitability with ethical practices. Through well-researched case studies of major corporations—including Nike, Coca-Cola, Walmart, and Meta—he explores how companies can, and must, do better in addressing human rights abuses within their supply chains, labour practices, and digital platforms. With governments, particularly in Europe, stepping in to regulate corporate behaviour, Conscience Incorporated is a guide for executives, investors, and policymakers navigating the evolving landscape of corporate accountability.