Business and Society Cliff Notes

Business and Society: A Critical Introduction by Birsch, Kean, et al.
A chapter-by-chapter summary with key terms and concepts.
Chapter 1: Business and Society – An Overview
Summary: Introduces the complex relationships between business practices and societal
impacts, emphasizing the need for ethical and responsible business conduct.
Key Concepts & Terms:

● Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A company’s commitment to social and
environmental responsibility.
● Stakeholders: Individuals or groups affected by or with an interest in a business’s
actions.
● Sustainability: Practices that meet present needs without compromising future
generations.
Chapter 2: Corporate Power and Influence
Summary: Discusses how corporations exert power through economic, political, and cultural
influence, and the potential ethical concerns arising from this power.

● Corporate Power: The ability of corporations to shape society and politics.
● Lobbying: Efforts to influence political decisions in favor of corporate interests.
● Regulatory Capture: When regulatory agencies serve the interests of the corporations
they regulate.
Chapter 3: Globalization and Business
Summary: Examines the global reach of corporations, including the benefits and ethical
challenges of globalization.

● Globalization: Integration of markets, cultures, and economies on a global scale.
● Multinational Corporations (MNCs): Companies operating in multiple countries.
● Outsourcing: Moving jobs or production overseas to reduce costs.
Chapter 4: The Environment and Corporate Responsibility
Summary: Focuses on environmental impacts of corporate activities and the need for
sustainable practices.

● Environmental Stewardship: Corporate commitment to protecting the environment.
● Greenwashing: Misleading claims about a company’s environmental practices.
● Triple Bottom Line: Accounting framework considering social, environmental, and
financial factors.
Chapter 5: Ethics in Business Decisions
Summary: Explores ethical frameworks and principles in decision-making, and the importance
of ethics in maintaining public trust.

● Ethical Dilemma: A situation where competing values make it challenging to decide the
right course of action.
● Code of Ethics: A formal set of principles guiding ethical business conduct.
● Transparency: Openness in business practices to build trust with stakeholders.
Chapter 6: Labor Rights and Fair Treatment
Summary: Addresses workers’ rights, labor standards, and the ethical considerations in
treatment of employees.

● Labor Rights: Fundamental rights for fair treatment and safe working conditions.
● Living Wage: A wage sufficient for a worker to meet basic needs.
● Unionization: Formation of labor unions to advocate for workers’ rights.
Chapter 7: Consumer Rights and Protection
Summary: Discusses businesses’ ethical responsibility to consumers, including product safety

and transparency.

● Consumer Protection: Safeguards to prevent exploitation or harm to consumers.
● Informed Consent: Ensuring consumers are fully informed about products and services.
● Product Liability: Legal responsibility for harm caused by defective products.
Chapter 8: Technology, Privacy, and Surveillance
Summary: Examines the ethical issues of data privacy, surveillance, and the influence of
technology on society.

● Data Privacy: Protection of personal information from misuse.
● Surveillance Capitalism: Business model that monetizes data gathered from
surveillance.
● Cybersecurity: Safeguarding systems and information from digital attacks.
Chapter 9: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
Summary: Discusses the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for ethical business
practices.

● Diversity: The presence of different identities in a workplace.
● Inclusion: Practices that ensure all employees feel valued and respected.
● Equity: Fair treatment and access to opportunities for all employees.
Chapter 10: Business and Community Engagement
Summary: Explores the role of businesses in contributing positively to communities and

fostering social good.

● Community Engagement: Corporate involvement in local community welfare.
● Corporate Philanthropy: Charitable donations by companies to support community
initiatives.
● Social Impact: The effect of business actions on the community and society.
Chapter 11: Ethical Leadership and Corporate Culture
Summary: Emphasizes the role of ethical leadership and culture in fostering responsible
business practices.

● Ethical Leadership: Leading with integrity, fairness, and respect.
● Corporate Culture: Shared values and norms that influence employee behavior.
● Whistleblowing: Reporting unethical or illegal activities within an organization.
Chapter 12: Emerging Trends in Business Ethics
Summary: Looks at future directions in business ethics, including artificial intelligence, climate
responsibility, and corporate governance.

● Corporate Governance: The system by which companies are directed and controlled.
● Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): UN goals to promote sustainability globally.
● Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics: Ethical considerations in AI deployment and usage.

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Business and Society: A Critical Introduction by Birsch, Kean, et al.

A chapter-by-chapter summary with key terms and concepts.

Chapter 1: Business and Society – An Overview

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 2: Corporate Power and Influence

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 3: Globalization and Business

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 4: The Environment and Corporate Responsibility

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 5: Ethics in Business Decisions

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 6: Labor Rights and Fair Treatment

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 7: Consumer Rights and Protection

Summary: Discusses businesses’ ethical responsibility to consumers, including product safety

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 8: Technology, Privacy, and Surveillance

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 9: Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 10: Business and Community Engagement

Summary: Explores the role of businesses in contributing positively to communities and

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 11: Ethical Leadership and Corporate Culture

Key Concepts & Terms:

Chapter 12: Emerging Trends in Business Ethics

Key Concepts & Terms:

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