Others are fluid, free of structure and unaccountable - campaigning groups whose objective is to raise consciousness rather than to find solutions. The activities of this minority get undue attention, cut off real debate and not only damage companies but also harm genuine and responsible NGOs. Of course, mutual advantage is not always attainable. But just as companies cannot dictate to government, so NGOs cannot dictate to companies or government. NGOs should accept companies as part of society but they are not responsible for society.
Companies have a limited, specific role.
They are also a constructive force, offering new choices and aiding development. Increasingly, they need partners to achieve their aspirations. Those partners will often be NGOs. Business cannot afford to fall into the trap of seeing NGOs as automatic enemies. In the long run, companies and NGOs are both agents of change.