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Empowering People in the Business Frontline: The Ruggie’s Framework and the Capability Approach

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  • Canton, César G.

Abstract

This paper explains how the Ruggie’s framework for corporate human rights performance may benefit from a relationship with the capability approach. The capability approach is found to fit nicely with both human rights and managerial perspectives. Among the many reciprocal contributions these perspectives can make to each other, this paper places a specific focus on how the capability approach can strenghten the case for the universality of human rights by means of Nussbaum’s list of capabilities; as well as get the Ruggie’s framework specified in business settings by accounting for different factors of variability and aspects of freedom. A manager-friendly 4-step flow chart of practical reasoning is suggested and tested on the issue of gender equality in the firm.

Suggested Citation

  • Canton, César G., 2012. "Empowering People in the Business Frontline: The Ruggie’s Framework and the Capability Approach," management revue - Socio-Economic Studies, Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft mbH & Co. KG, vol. 23(2), pages 191-216.
    • Handle: RePEc:nms:mamere:1861-9908_mrev_2012_2_canton
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    File URL: https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/10.5771/0935-9915-2012-2-191
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    1. Michael Pirson, 2019. "A Humanistic Perspective for Management Theory: Protecting Dignity and Promoting Well-Being," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 159(1), pages 39-57, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    human resource management; capability approach; decent work; corporate social responsibility; human capital; human exploitation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J83 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards - - - Workers' Rights
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration
    • Z10 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - General

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