The problem in today's era of corporate pseudo-ethics is that the pendulum has shifted too far. From genuine philanthropy "corporate responsibility" has mutated into a dangerous form of political correctness. The enlightened, entrepreneurial philanthropy of old has, through activist agitation, become the burden of today's so-called "corporate responsibility." At least four distinct trends are in evidence here: the rise of single-issue activist groups; the targeting of companies with dealings in specific countries or specific industries; a rise in public sympathy for such actions; and a seal of approval guaranteed by many Western governments today.

Once the political risks are evaluated, then two actions are required: first, for businesses to mount an efficient public relations campaign, arguing the case for corporate capitalism and stressing how their activities are benefiting the national-or global-economy in which they operate. All businesses, forewarned, should be proactive, not reactive. They must be prepared to fight fire with fire and, if necessary, should be prepared to take their case all the way to the courts. Secondly, companies across the spectrum must band together and act in unison to limit the unaccountable, undemocratic and often extra-legal activities of the activist groups they are up against.......................

Discussion Questions 1. What does Halfon see as the proper tools for handling stakeholder objections?
2. Can you describe a situation in which his tools may not be effective? What are the costs to the company if his tools fail to halt the opposition of stakeholders to a proposed corporate action?