The role of the private sector in society has been discussed for a long time, with positions ranging from Milton Friedman’s provocative 1970 article proclaiming that companies should not assume responsibilities towards society beyond increasing their profits, to doubts about capitalism’s ability to meet human needs, and the need to develop corporate social responsibility. The current discussion acknowledges the possibility that companies can have a positive impact on society, although doubts remain about how to intervene, the actions that contribute to achieving social goals, and how to coordinate initiatives.
