Businesses believe they cannot operate against the greater good for long. Many players are involved, in part because of the way information continues to level the playing field. The challenge to both business and government is encouraging transparency within their organisations. Government is most active at the local level. Ad hoc local and global institutions arise to solve particular problems.
Mediation becomes a major method of problem solving.
Achievement of the new environmental and social standards occurs largely out of self-interest. The public recognizes transgressions and quickly acts against companies or countries that violate standards. Companies have an interest in seeing that disputes do not escalate and indirectly harm them. They monitor relationships with customers and suppliers closely, and drop risky partners quickly. In this highly competitive and interconnected world, businesses see the strategic economic advantages of being perceived as environmentally and socially responsible, and many become proactive leaders in responding to social and environmental challenges.