Norm localization in action

Abstract

In 1976 the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) established its Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (“the Guidelines”). These Guidelines were developed to protect individuals from corporate abuse. To this day, it is the most elaborate set of government-backed recommendations aimed at supporting responsible business conduct. While the guidelines consist of recommendations which are not legally binding on corporations,1 they are binding on signatory governments. Thus far, 46 countries have adhered to the Guidelines: all 34 members of the OECD, and 12 non-members.2