Multinational corporations and corporate social responsibility: How history, non-governmental organizations and international groups are changing business

In an increasingly globalized, "flatter" world, multi-national corporations are currently operating in some of the poorest countries in the world. Focusing on American-based multinational corporations in African countries, this paper examines how businesses can best interact with non-governmental organizations and other influencing bodies to successfully adapt to a changing world. It will explore how public relations affects this delicate, evolving relationship, specifically in the form of corporate social responsibility, and how the success of such a relationship can influence the perceptions and ultimately the business practices of multinational corporations. Finally, it will consider what ethical responsibilities---if any---multinational corporations have toward not only their shareholders and consumers, but to all stakeholders, especially those who belong to the populations of the countries in which they operate.