The impact of the UN Global Compact

What is it about?

The article contributes to the controversial debate about the impact of the largest global CSR initiative UN Global Compact (UNGC). UNGC critics continue to deny any impact of the UNGC on its business participants referring to a lack of accountability structures and the risk of ‚bluewashing‘. However, building on a new and comprehensive UNGC implementation measure, I find across a wide range of analytical approaches that the duration of UNGC participation does affect positively the level of UNGC implementation. Moreover, I find that strong local UNGC networks positively affect the level of UNGC implementation. Surprisingly though, their hypothesized moderating effect is only significant in networks with activities of high quality rather than high quantity.

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Why is it important?

This work builds on a new and comprehensive UNGC implementation measure. Findings hold across a wide range of analytical approaches. Consequently, this study significantly extends previous findings and helps clarify the controversial debate about the UNGC. It further reveals new and somewhat surprising findings with regard to the role of local UNGC networks.