Codes of conduct and international framework agreements : new forms of governance at company level

In recent years, the rapid process of globalisation has triggered a political debate on international working and production standards, and the need for supra-national structures and regulation. The adoption of corporate codes of conduct and international framework agreements (IFAs) is a reflection of the increasing global outreach and influence of multinational companies. This report analyses the impact of both these type of initiative on corporate practice and industrial relations. Based on an analysis of selected documents, the report examines the motives underlying the adoption of codes of conduct and IFAs at the company level, and traces the role of the different stakeholders (management and worker representatives) in the elaboration and monitoring process. The findings indicate that while codes of conduct tend to reinforce a specific corporate culture, international framework agreements represent a more pro-active approach to shaping company-wide social dialogue in a global context.