Managing Human Rights and Human Resources: The Dual Responsibility of Global Corporations

At the nexus of global expansion and trade liberalization are humans; their needs, development, and aspirations. Whether local inhabitants of developing nations impacted by global trade, or human resources employed by global corporations to conduct business abroad, the central element remains people. In an age of unprecedented change, the development, deployment, and enhancement of this vital resource cannot be underestimated. It is well recognized that global business success is dependent on the ability of organizations to acquire and develop the best employees from around the world. People are pivotal to both global corporations ‟ survival and the wealth of nations. Nothing can be mobilized and no progress can be achieved in the absence of this essential resource. The purpose of this paper will be to review current worldwide trends and practices of leading corporations (profit and non-profit) in their management of human resources and social responsibility. An examination of the responsibilities of these global corporations will be made, and recommendations for reconciling these dual responsibilities and reshaping global HR practices will be presented