introduction Improving social and financial performance in global corporations Local air and water pollution in Europe, child labor in Asia, workers' rights in North America, global climate change, political upheaval in South America, and human rights in Africa. Just a few examples of the challenges that now face corporate execu- tives on a daily basis. The issue of whether companies should consider their social responsibility or the impact of their activities on their stakeholders is no longer up for discussion. These issues, and many, many more like them, have become a central part