The Young Scholars
We have now selected five young scholars out of about 100 applications from over 20 countries. Please find below the winning doctoral students and the titles of their presentations. Biographies and abstracts of their research are coming soon.
- Dorothee Baumann, University of Zürich, Switzerland
The corporate approach to human rights: Shifting from monologue to dialogue
The presentation will highlight why corporate commitment to respecting and protecting human rights must also include a commitment to a regular engagement with stakeholders. It is argued that the definition of human rights in a certain industry context, the interpretation of ambivalent human rights situations, decisions over controversial human rights issues and priorities and assessments of corporate human rights activities cannot be conducted by corporations alone. Instead, the integration of stakeholders in these activities is needed to maintain corporate legitimacy and to effectively install human rights policies and procedures in the organization.
- Nicky Black, University of Waikato, New Zealand
From complicity to constructive corporate engagement in rogue and weak states - Lessons from Myanmar (Burma)
Companies operating in ‘weak governance’ states and areas of conflict run a higher risk of complicity in human rights abuses. In response to calls to leave countries such as Sudan, Zimbabwe or Myanmar (Burma), some of these companies argue that their presence - as Corporate Citizens - has a potential to create economic, social and political conditions where human rights are recognised, protected and promoted through employment, community development projects and direct engagement with states on human rights issues. Drawing on an in-depth case study of the corporate citizenship activities of companies in three natural gas projects in Myanmar, the presentation will examine constructive corporate engagement in weak governance states and give recommendations for companies, NGOs and policy-makers.
- Marieke de Leede, Radboud University, The Netherlands
Tackle Human Rights Challenges; Empower Local Communities
Corporations facing human rights challenges must formulate and implement effective business principles in cooperation with local partners. In this process, they need to empower local communities to have a competent counterpart. Through indicators, the process of empowerment can be measured and sustainable development can be achieved. This is how corporations can do responsible business and indirectly contribute to justice and the realisation of human rights.
- Sara Lindeman, Hanken School of Economics, Finland
Innovative business solutions for the very poor: Empowerment or Exploitation
Corporations can take three approaches to CSR, either simultaneously or independently: compliance, philanthropy and co-creation. In using the three approaches and particularly focusing on value co-creation, corporations operating in developing countries might enhance the promotion and protection of human rights, as well as contributing the better the lives of the poor. There is an increasing interest in entrepreneurial solutions for the vast populations living in extreme poverty. The Base-of-the-Pyramid notion suggests win-win relationships and value creation for companies, NGOs and local populations. The research will examine if value is really created for all.
- Lindsay McShane, Queen's University, Canada
Socially Conscious Consumerism: The Role of NGOs in Enabling and Empowering Consumers
In light of inherent challenges associated with corporations trying to decouple their profit-maximizing role from their social role, this research examines how consumers might be better suited to transform the marketplace by aligning their roles as both social actors and consumers. To facilitate this shift towards consumer social responsibility, this research stresses the important role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in enabling and empowering consumers to pursue adopt more socially conscious patterns of consumption.
