Multinational Firms and the Pursuit of Social Benefits

Abstract

It is argued that a new actor is emerging in international business, which can be dubbed " Social Multinational " , that is a blend of international rent-creation and pursuit of social objectives. However, it would be misleading to state that the emergence of Social Multinationals will be the natural outcome of a market driven process. Too much is left to the understanding and sensitiveness of individual entrepreneurs. Signals of the emergence of this new and promising breed are still very weak. Important institutional innovations will have to be enacted to favour its strengthening and growth.