Corporate Citizenship - Becks Theory of the World Risk Society

Corporate Citizenship - Becks Theory of the World Risk Society Lucianne WhiteCorporate CitizenshipAssignment 1IntroductionCorporate citizenship is based on the premise that businesses will actresponsibly towards society, thus proving to be socially responsible.This essay will look at the three theories of citizenship.Risk in society is viewed by three main approaches, human behaviourapproach, techno-scientific approach and sociocultural approach.Each of these approaches puts yet another spin on the definition ofrisk and how it affects our population. This essay will look at riskfrom the 'world risk society' point of view.It will endeavour to explain Beck's theory of the 'risk society' anddiscuss how his theory might be applied as a useful framework forexamining the level of corporate citizenship in organisations.It will also include a look at how other theorists define risk. Inconclusion it will evaluate and comment on the usefulness of Beck'smodel.Corporate CitizenshipA citizen is a member of a modern political community (i.e.Corporation: Peopl ethenation-state) who posesses formally defined rights and responsibilitiesby virute of membership to that nation, typically including the right tobe involved in selecting governments (Bessant Watts, 1999).Corporate citizenship is therefore corporations which have rights andresponsibilites of their own, as well as obligations to their community.Corporate citizenship is based on three theories; minimalist,communitarian and universal rights. We will look briefly at what eachtheory means.Minimalist is where citizens strive towards their own goals with verylittle interference. They realise there are rules which regulate theirbehaviour and are able to function individually.Communitarian is where the communitys' well being outweighs theindividuals rights. Everyone works towards reaching the communitygoals rather than focusing on personal goals.Universal rights is where everyone pursues their own goals andinterests but makes sure to consider others rights. Being aware...