Responsible business conduct

Businesses contribute to economic and social development through job creation, development of skills and technology, and the provision of goods and services. At the same time, business activities can have adverse impacts on people, the environment and society.

By integrating principles of responsible business conduct (RBC), enterprises can significantly make the positive contribution to economic and social progress and the realization of decent work for all; and to minimize and resolve the difficulties to which their various operations may give rise. 

Three international  instruments have become the key reference points on responsible business conduct expressing clear expectations and guidance on how companies can act responsibly: the ILO Tripartite Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy (MNE Declaration), the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The three instruments are aligned in their approach and complement each other.

The ILO promotes RBC for the realization of decent work and encourages businesses of all sizes and sectors to align their operations with principles of international labour standards and the guidance offered by the MNE Declaration, which reflect good practices for all enterprises. The MNE Declaration also provides guidance for governments and social partners on a conducive environment for responsible business conduct.

For more information, contact the ILO's Multinational Enterprises and Responsible Business Conduct Unit at multi@ilo.org.