Abstract
This essay attempts to define the corporate social responsibility (CSR) concept while treating the triple bottom line (TBL) and other concepts. The ten principles of the United Nations social compact are discussed and analysed in the light of company practical commitments in their capacity of global compact partners. An analysis and evaluation follows on international framework agreements (IFAs), the European Union and the United Kingdom global compact network and its benefits. The epilogue treats, inter alia, the focusing from shareholder to stakeholders, the Global Compact's tentacles, the CSR concept being elevated to the central stage, some criticisms and future perspectives of CSR, IFAs and the Global Compact.