The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility by David Vogel

From the Publisher

In the highly praised The Market for Virtue, David Vogel presents a clear, balanced analysis of the contemporary corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement in the United States and Europe. In this updated paperback edition, Vogel discusses recent CSR initiatives and responds to new developments in the CSR debate. He asserts that while the movement has achieved success in improving some labor, human rights, and environmental practices in developing countries, there are limits to improving corporate conduct without more extensive and effective government regulation. Put simply, Vogel believes that there is a market for virtue, but it is limited by the substantial costs of socially responsible business behavior.

Perspectives on Politics

"Vogel's argument is a rebuke to those who want fat profits and easy consciences, too. His analysis is particularly sharp at questioning conventional assumptions."

The Washington Post - Steven Pearlstein

"For my money, the clearest thinking on the subject [of CSR] is found in a new book by David Vogel. He finds that good corporate citizenship is neither necessary nor sufficient for business success."

Financial Times - Simon London

"In a world filled with hot air on the subject, it is refreshing to find such a clear-and concise-assessment of CSR's pros and cons."

Environment, April 2006 - Robert N. Stavins

"David Vogel brings a refreshing breath of fresh air and objective reporting to a polarized debate. For those who are not already familiar with CSR debates, this book provides a superb introduction, with abundant references to the claims and hypotheses of the advocates, empirical data with which those claims and hypotheses can be tested, and statistical evidence and case studies. . . . Vogel has made an important contribution and has advanced scholarship in this realm with his book."

What People Are Saying

Robert B. Reich
"Until now, corporate social responsibility has been a term in search of meaning. In The Market for Virtue, David Vogel not only defines it but gives a revealing insight into its strengths and weaknesses. Here is the definitive guide to what corporate social responsibility can and cannot accomplish in a modern capitalist economy."
—University Professor of social and economic policy, Brandeis University, and former U.S. Secretary of Labor

Susan Ariel Aaronson
"Although there is clearly a market for virtue, demand and supply are out of sync. David Vogel provides needed clarity about the costs, benefits, ambiguities, and potential of corporate social responsibility. This comprehensive, well-written, and well-researched book is useful to CSR practitioners, other executives, policymakers, scholars and others seeking new insights into the complex market for corporate social responsibility."
—senior fellow, Kenan Institute at the University of North Carolina

John G. Ruggie
"This book is by far the most systematic and balanced analysis of corporate social responsibility as a means for firms to create social value beyond their immediate economic functions. It carefully examines not only the opportunities but also the limits of CSR in the absence of explicit regulations. The study combines sound logic with illustrative cases, and advances the sophistication of the CSR debate considerably."
—Harvard University, co-architect of UN Gloal Compact

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents