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“Traduttore, Traditore?” Translating Human Rights into the Corporate Context

Author

Listed:
  • Marisa McVey

    (University of St Andrews)

  • John Ferguson

    (University of St Andrews)

  • François-Régis Puyou

    (University of St Andrews)

Abstract

This paper critically investigates the implementation of the UN guiding principles on business and human rights (UNGPs) into the corporate setting through the concept of ‘translation’. In the decade since the creation of the UNGPs, little academic research has focussed specifically on the corporate implementation of human rights. Drawing on qualitative case studies of two multinational corporations—an oil and gas company and a bank—this paper unpacks how human rights are translated into the corporate context. In doing so, the paper focuses on the “resonance dilemma” translators encounter, the strategies used to make human rights understandable and palatable, and the difficulties that emerge from this process. We contend that the process of making human rights understandable and manageable can change their form and content, which may act as an obstacle to human rights realisation and corporate accountability for human rights.

Suggested Citation

  • Marisa McVey & John Ferguson & François-Régis Puyou, 2023. "“Traduttore, Traditore?” Translating Human Rights into the Corporate Context," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 182(3), pages 573-596, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:182:y:2023:i:3:d:10.1007_s10551-021-05028-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-021-05028-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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