Human rights standards and multinational corporations : the dilemma of 'home' and 'Rome'

Abstract

In recent times it is increasingly felt that multinational corporations (MNCs), as real users off ree market economy, should conduct their business with a human face or in a 'human rights friendly manner'. Interestingly, such a feeling is shared by MN Cs, states, international organisations, non-government organisations (NGOs), academics and common people alike, though they differ on the reasons for this. Therefore, the critical point of debate is no longer about why should MNCs respect human rights but what should they follow? Which standards of human rights - universal, national norms of the country of operation, or national norms of the parent company - should guide the conduct of MNCs? Moreover, should the 'shield' of cultural relativism be available to MNCs, which is often invoked with varying success by several states? Here it must be noted that this debate on standards is the direct result of globalisation and growing influence of MNCs in international trade and governance.