Transnational civil society organizations can have a massive influence on economic decisions and regulatory measures concerning market governance. They raise and manage important funds and have organizational structures that can be compared to transnational companies. Comparable to transnational companies, decisions of international non-governmental organizations are not based on democratic elections.
Table of Contents
1. Global Markets & Global Civil Society: Influence & Legitimacy
Objectives & Topics
This essay explores the dual role of transnational civil society organizations in global governance, specifically examining how these entities exert influence on economic decision-making processes while simultaneously facing challenges regarding their own democratic legitimacy and accountability.
- The evolution of civil society power in the era of globalization.
- Tactics of influence such as "naming and shaming" and public mobilization.
- Case studies of successful transnational activism (Nike and Shell).
- The democratic deficit within non-governmental organizations.
- The relationship between financial dependency and topical prioritization.
- Strategies for maintaining legitimacy through transparency and outcome quality.
Excerpt from the Book
Global Markets & Global Civil Society: Influence & Legitimacy
It was in the 1990s that influence and international power of civil society have gained new dimensions – with notable attention on increasing numbers of supporters, funds as well as new issues put on the international agenda. Globalization’s technical revolution in modern communication technology (internet and mobile phones) has pushed these developments, and facilitated enormously the organized mobilization of the public (see Anheier, Glasius and Kaldor 2004, p. 6).
But there are always the two sides of the coin. On the one hand, many associations, initiatives, or NGOs play a powerful role in international economic affairs. Heightening the public’s awareness through the tactics of “naming and shaming” (Chandhoke, 2004, p. 51), they significantly influence corporate decisions.
Remember the Clean Clothes Campaign: in 1996, several transnational human rights organizations (among others Global exchange and United Students Against Sweatshops), jointly organized an adroit global campaign to pressure Nike to end the inhumane working conditions of its factory employees (among them children) in developing countries. Resulting from discredits in reputation, boycott calls and critical news coverage, the company was finally forced to rethink its business strategies (see Chandhoke 2004, p. 40, Global Exchange 2008 and United Students against Sweatshops 2008).
Another noteworthy example of successful activism was the Shell boycott in 1995. Greenpeace began to organize demonstrations and boycotts against this corporation intending to sink the old oil platform Brent Spar in the North Sea. When consumers concertedly refused to buy Shell’s gasoline, and thus forcing down sales volumes, the firm had to turn in. Greenpeace’s pressure even reached the political level, prompting Shell to sign the UN’s human rights declaration (see BBC 2008).
Summary of Chapters
1. Global Markets & Global Civil Society: Influence & Legitimacy: The text analyzes how civil society organizations have gained significant international power through globalization and specific advocacy tactics, while critically assessing the corresponding need for democratic accountability and transparent funding practices.
Keywords
Civil Society, Global Markets, Legitimacy, Transparency, Accountability, Globalization, NGO, Activism, Naming and Shaming, Transnational Governance, Corporate Responsibility, Public Mobilization, Human Rights, Economic Governance, Stakeholder Accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this document?
The document examines the influence of transnational civil society organizations on international economic decisions and explores the critical tension between their advocacy power and their own lack of democratic legitimacy.
What are the core thematic areas discussed?
The text focuses on the growth of civil society in the 1990s, the mechanisms of public pressure, corporate accountability, the democratic deficit in NGOs, and the role of major financial sponsors in shaping organizational agendas.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The primary objective is to analyze whether non-elected transnational organizations, which demand high standards from corporations, can themselves maintain legitimacy through transparency and successful outcomes.
Which scientific approach is utilized in the analysis?
The work utilizes a qualitative approach based on document analysis, drawing on academic literature and historical case studies of advocacy campaigns to evaluate the impact of civil society.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the technological drivers of mobilization, specific examples of activism like the Nike and Shell campaigns, the issue of financial dependence on Western sponsors, and the necessity of organizational transparency.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Civil Society, Legitimacy, Accountability, Globalization, Transnational Governance, and Corporate Responsibility.
How does the "naming and shaming" tactic impact corporate strategy?
This tactic forces corporations to reconsider their practices by damaging their public reputation and threatening sales volumes through organized boycotts, as demonstrated in the Nike and Shell examples.
What is the concern regarding the leadership of international organizations?
A central concern is the lack of democratic procedures, as leaders of these organizations are typically not elected by the public, raising questions about who they are truly accountable to.
Why is the role of donors critical to the legitimacy of NGOs?
Since a significant portion of funding comes from Western industrialized countries or wealthy individuals, there is a risk that these sponsors may disproportionately influence the topics and agendas these organizations pursue.
How can civil society sustain its legitimacy long-term?
Legitimacy can be maintained if organizations operate with full transparency, adhere to their own stated ethical requirements, and demonstrate the quality of their outcomes to the public and the international press.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Natalie Züfle (Autor:in), 2008, Global markets and global civil society: Influence & Legitimacy”, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/180083
