Florian Wettstein

When the first 100 days of an incoming US president come to completion, it is normally the hour of political scientists or economists, not of ethicists.

Political advocacy should not be confused with a new way of lobbying. As Florian Wettstein points out, we could be on the cusp of a new era.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is losing steam. Many – perhaps too many? – corporations have embraced it, but too often they seem to look at it merely as a new source for growth and profits or as an act of charity, rather than as a philosophy that transforms the way they do business. As a consequence, criticism has been mounting in recent times. CSR, such is the impression, is lacking force and overall impact, and it has not kept what it once promised.

Some companies are reinterpreting their role in society and coming out in support of causes. The genuine ones rely on consistency, plausibility and authenticity.