The changing nature of NGO activity in a globalising world - Pushing the corporate responsibility agenda

As a result of the ruling neo-liberal paradigm and increasing economic, soc ial and political globalisation, the nature of the relationship between tra nsnational corporations (TNCs) and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) ha s been transformed significantly. TNCs are increasingly perceived as more p owerful than governments. In response, NGOs identify TNCs as prime targets to affect change and have diversified their responses and strategies accord ingly. New alliances have been forged and new types of integrated NGOs have been created, in addition, NGOs have sought direct engagement with corpora tions through strategies of engagement and confrontation. With this three-t ier response (alliance-building, integration and engagement), NGOs have dri ven the corporate responsibility agenda, which, while part of a longer hist ory is a particular response of both NGOs and TNCs initiated by the value-c hanges brought about by globalisation.