My research focuses on the emerging global institutional infrastructure for corporate responsibility in the context of contested transnational governance problems. I investigate the limits and opportunities of voluntary CSR and sustainability standards such as labor monitoring schemes (e.g. Social Accountability 8000) and more general principle-based initiatives (e.g. the UN Global Compact). Currently, my research focuses on two interrelated topics:
Transnational Governance and UN-Business Relations
This stream of research puts particular emphasis on the political role of corporations and examines the role of the UN Global Compact in transnational governance. While discussing UN-business relations in general and the UN Global Compact in particular, I focus on the following topics: the role of networked governance in the context of transnational problems, the impact of the UN Global Compact and the limits of its form of governance, the interaction effects between the UN Global Compact and other initiatives. This stream of research is based on institutional theory, theories of economic regulation, as well as the sociology of law.
Transnational Governance and UN-Business Relations
This stream of research puts particular emphasis on the political role of corporations and examines the role of the UN Global Compact in transnational governance. While discussing UN-business relations in general and the UN Global Compact in particular, I focus on the following topics: the role of networked governance in the context of transnational problems, the impact of the UN Global Compact and the limits of its form of governance, the interaction effects between the UN Global Compact and other initiatives. This stream of research is based on institutional theory, theories of economic regulation, as well as the sociology of law.
Sustainability in Global Supply Networks
My second stream of research examines the limits and prospects of nongovernmental (private) regulation in global supply networks. Particularly, I am interested in whether labor rights can be realized through certification schemes like Social Accountability 8000 and the Fair Labor Association. I discuss the limits of labor auditing systems in global supply chains and explore ways to improve the practice of labor auditing. This stream of research is based on deliberative democracy and reflections on participative economic governance.