So far there are few positive results to show for dialogue. After strong enthusiasm for signing up to codes of conduct and voluntary agreements, the majority of companies have shown little progress in implementation and monitoring of the codes. And of course that's where it counts. It also fails to critically analyse sustainable development as a concept. But real improvements are not demonstrated.
Some authors use the usual arguments about corporations needing 'guidance' etc.
Many admit that the purpose of the partnership is gaining legitimacy for the company, not primarily solving the problem. They find that it is the 'dolphins' that co-operate with companies. The basic thing for partnership and dialogue, all authors seem to agree, is finding 'common ground'. The most interesting essay in the book is Bendell's own on situations without 'win-win' solutions, eg, biotechnology. In these situations, Bendell argues, there is simply no reason to have a dialogue.