Benefits to business and society of integrating human rights into business practice

Enhanced corporate reputation and brand image

More secure licence to operate

Improved employee recruitment, retention, motivation

Diminished employee unrest, increased productivity

Improved stakeholder relations

Reduced risk of consumer protest, boycotts, adverse publicity

Reduced security risks and associated costs – reduced material losses, lower insurance premiums, reduced security forces

More sustainable relationships with business partners, sub-contractors, suppliers

Improved risk assessment and management

Improved investment climate

Strengthened shareholder confidence

Competitive advantage over other companies not yet adopting human rights policies

Strengthening the rule of law through application of international human rights standards

Strengthening capacity of civil society organisations through dialogue and partnership

Encouraging other domestic and transnational companies in the sector/region to follow example of responsible business practice and corporate leadership

Increased trust between community groups and company through consultation and partnership activities

Opportunity for fair representation of different community groups’ views and concerns can strengthen social cohesion

Decline in social unrest, conflict, violent sabotage

More stable employment opportunities

Greater potential for sustainable socio-economic development

The above material is extracted from chapter 1.2 ("The business case") of: 

Human rights -- is it any of your business?  

Amnesty International UK Business Group / Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum [now International Business Leaders Forum], Apr. 2000, p. 25.

© April 2000 Amnesty International UK and The Prince of Wales Business Leaders Forum