Voluntary Cooperation Between NGOs and Corporations From the Perspective of German Trade Unions: A Micropolitical Analysis. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Krause, Florian; Haunschild, Axel
• Is Part Of: Organization & environment. Volume 31:Number 2(2018:Jul.)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 112
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: voluntary agreements -- CSR -- NGO -- trade unions -- Germany -- micropolitical analysis -- qualitative study -- industrial relations -- national business system; Associations, institutions, etc -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Business enterprises -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environmental responsibility -- Periodicals; Sustainability -- Periodicals; 658.408305
• DOI: 10.1177/1086026617705110
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1086-0266

Abstract

The article gives a micropolitical analysis of the position of German trade unions on voluntary agreements between nongovernmental organisation (NGOs) and corporations, mostly subsumed under the label CSR (corporate social responsibility). In the German system of industrial relations, trade unions have a hybrid character: On the one hand, they are part of the company through their members and especially through unionised works councils and share similar goals with the company. On the other hand, trade unions also merge political positions of society, keep an eye on companies' actions, and share similar goals with NGOs. The micropolitical analysis of their positions towards voluntary agreements as well as their interaction raises general questions on how cooperation between firms and NGOs can secure decent working conditions and environmental protection.