1.4.1 Part I: Chapters 2-8 - Corporate tools and approaches

Part I of this book (chapters 2-8) elaborates on the legal frameworks and the tools and processes that companies can draw upon to become a socially responsible company (corporate governance, annual reporting, internal control and management information processes, private regulatory regimes, due diligence assessments, and providing information to consumers about products).

The research methodology mainly comprised desk research, which included the examination of traditional sources for legal research as well as the websites of companies, international organisations, NGOs and governments to keep track of developments and progress. In addition, views were exchanged with academics and practitioners in expert meetings and conferences.

The legal perspective of these chapters is primarily Dutch corporate and private law, and additionally - when constructive - reference is made to legal developments in the EU, the US, the UK and other European jurisdictions. Perspectives from an international law, environmental law, labour law and criminal law perspective have been included where this is functional. The discussion is not limited to positive law, legislative proposals and fresh ideas have also been subjected to the research. All sources that have been used are accounted for through footnotes in the chapters, and have been included in the Bibliography.