Corporate Truth: The Limits to Transparency

In the corporate jungle inhabited by Enrons and WorldComs, a lack of transparency is the root of all scandal. Yet delivering transparency seems immensely difficult, with the oftencompeting interests of shareholders, corporate boards, government regulators and other stakeholders to be taken into account.

Drawing on a vast wealth of real-life examples from the commercial world, this lively business book goes in search of the appropriate limits of transparency. From commercial confidentiality and the ethics of marketing to lobbying and corporate corruption, the author addresses the position, significance and limits of transparency in modern corporate life, working through the dilemmas presented by the increasing calls for transparency. From the secrets of the boardroom to the struggles of NGOs, transparency is a persistent challenge. How much is enough? How much do we need? And how do companies actually report on their impacts?

Adrian Henriques is an independent adviser, writer, researcher, teacher and campaigner on corporate responsibility, social accountability and sustainability. He has audited company reports on corporate social responsibilty (CSR), sustainability and social impact. He has also been actively involved in the development of standards for responsibility and reporting.

Adrian is currently Visiting Professor of Accountability and CSR at Middlesex University Business School. His previous publications include The Triple Bottom Line: Does It All Add Up? and Focus on Sustainability and its Implications for CSR.