Abstract

The article argues for the need for business to give a positive lead in society. There are three reasons for this. First, a large multinational can have enormous influence in a local economy, especially in the Third World. Secondly, but much more unusually, business can demonstrate how cooperative endeavour can make profits. Thirdly, business can cooperate with local or central government in education, and training. But such reasons themselves raise questions about accountability and values. The article also discusses why such leadership does not happen more often, looking to the short-term practices of business as the main culprit.