Management of Knowledge and Innovation Research Unit presents a seminar by

Lez Ryman-Bacchus

London Metropolitan University

Crisis of corporate legitimacy: towards a new corporatism?

Corporate ethical behaviour has long been debated, and some observers have been questioning the legitimacy of the corporation. While capitalism is credited with propelling the wellbeing of many economies, repeated instances of corporate wrong-doing fuel a deep distrust in the corporation. Corporate misbehaviour during the last two decades has prompted the suggestion that there is a crisis of confidence in the corporation. Nevertheless, the corporate model of business organisation has proved profoundly influential, and now pervades every aspect of social organisation, in particular the public services.

One way of making sense of this apparent contradiction is to see legitimate corporate behaviour as unfolding with the evolution of social preferences. Tensions and conflicts within the relationship between capitalism and evolving social preferences drive the movement of capitalism and social preferences. Where is this evolving relationship leading?

Thursday, 20 February 2003

Asch Meeting Room, (E207), Michael Young Building

15:00 for 15:30 - 17:00

Please confirm your attendance by calling Mina Panchal on Extn. 55987 or email m.panchal@open.ac.uk