Global Accountability of Transnational Corporations: The UN Global Compact as a Global Norm

• Author: Mariko Shoji
• Pages: 29-30

UN Global Compact 29

VIII JEAIL 1 (2015)

Mariko Shoji

∗

The nature of the UN Global Compact has been studied from the perspective of three

frameworks. The first is the theory of norm. The UNGC involves the creation of a

network beyond transnational advocacy, as a transnational norm. The network of the

UNGC is a public space for dialogue among participants. The second is the theory

of subject. In the process of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives, ownership of various

stakeholders and actors including companies are discussed. Furthermore, it attempts

to draw the sense of ownership and commitment from those who cannot recognize

their ownership. The third is the theory of responsibility. In the age of globalization, in

association with increasing multilateral actors, the concept of

‘

responsibility

’

should

be multilayered. The concept of

‘

responsibility

’

should be interpreted stereoscopically

and it will be necessary to understand and conceptualize many related concepts

concerning

‘

accountability

’

such as

‘

responsibility,

’

‘

charge

’

and

‘

commitment,

’

with

gradations.

Keywords

UN Global Compact, CSR, GCJN, Norm, Soft Law, Responsibility, COPs

∗ Professor of Keiai University School of International Studies, Japan; Executive board member of the Japan Association

of Global Governance; A member of the expert meeting of “Business for Peace” of the UN Global Compact. M.A.

(Tsuda College). ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1454-4941. The author may be contacted at: marisht@gmail.com

/ Address: Keiai University, Inage Campus, 1-5-21 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8588 JAPAN.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14330/jeail.2015.8.1.02

Global Accountability of

Transnational Corporations:

The UN Global Compact as

a Global Norm