The Global Compact as a platform for corporate accountability - examining the evolvement of the accountability mechanisms

Abstract: The Global Compact is s multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to promote and legitimize the practice of CSR. The role of this initiative in securing corporate accountability has received attention both among academics and non-academics. There have recently been some internal developments within the Global Compact relating to the possibility of this initiative to hold its participants to account. With this in mind, this thesis will be a case study of the accountability mechanisms of the Global Compact focusing specifically on the evolvement process and the introduction of the delisting policy. The purpose is to contribute to the academic debate regarding accountability in global governance by examining closer the recent developments in the Global Compact. This thesis concludes that there is a willingness on the part of the Global Compact to develop a stronger framework for holding participants to account. This can be seen in the numerous new policies introduced with this purpose in mind. However there have also been some setbacks during this process and accountability has again been weakened. Based on the findings in this thesis it is clear that the decision-makers of the Global Compact are aware of the weak accountability, while the purpose of the Global Compact as an inclusive learning network is still valued stronger.