Business will define the 21st century

The integration of social and environmental issues into corporate objectives today takes different forms and involves a growing number of companies. From public benefit corporations to mission-driven companies, there are many organizations whose interests and corporate purpose now go beyond the pursuit of profit. Other so-called “traditional” companies choose to adopt a raison d’être in respect of which they intend to commit resources to satisfy commitments beyond their economic activity alone. Finally, within the framework of CSR approaches, with which it is readily associated, the special attention paid to stakeholders seems to constitute a new managerial paradigm, associating the various groups that contribute to it with the responsibilities of the company. Some observers associate these developments with a new philanthropy, a form of moralization of economic activities, or even a simple marketing calculation. Still others see it as a targeted response to consumer demands or a more restrictive legal framework. Still, considering these present and future impacts, a certain number of issues need to be analysed: will the company save the world? Can it be at the service of the common good? Can shareholder capitalism withstand environmental emergencies and social pressures? Is rootedness in contractualism a hindrance to CSR?