Question brief

Corporations have become one of the most pervasive forces on earth. While the roots of modern corporations go back to the age of colonialism, today they represent an omnipresent aspect of contemporary life that touches every person and environment on our planet. It is undoubtedly true that corporations have made a fundamental contribution to the development of humankind improving the quality of life through scientific and technological advancements as well as increases in productivity and wealth. However, it is equally unquestioned that corporate business operations have also caused serious problems. One of the most pervasive issues we have been experiencing in our democracies is unethical lobbying practices and corporate powers distortion of the democratic decision-making process. Big corporations tend to use their immense wealth and power to bend national governments to their will. Such an influence may adversely affect the democratic process, generate lax regulations, allow the abuse of individual rights, or even lead to harmful practices for human health or the environment. Notwithstanding that, such unethical lobbying practices are not considered as corrupt behaviours and, as a result, they are not properly monitored, nor are they subject to sanctions.

Investigate this issue and critically examine:

1.the way in which corporations have been affecting our societies through unethical lobbying practices illustrating the adverse consequences that such behaviours may lead to

2.the limits of the current legal/regulatory framework in dealing with such an issue

3.critically discuss the way in which solutions based on corporate governance may address this problem

Your answers must be supported by examples.