<i>'Christopher Harding and Alison Cronin’s Bad Business Practice pulls off the rare feat of combining an incisive theoretical analysis of the “economic and cultural pathologies” underlying corporate delinquency with a close-up, time- and context-sensitive critique of the criminal, regulatory and self-regulatory responses to these truly profound malaises. It is a brave book that dares to question the continued legitimacy of </i>homo economicus<i> who is still taken for granted in most critiques of the corporation in the 21st century.’</i>
- Uta Kohl, University of Southampton, UK,
Christopher Harding and Alison Cronin reflect on the attempts that have been made globally to use criminal law and other methods of formal legal control, as well as more flexible and innovative approaches under the heading of 'regulation', to address the problem of bad business practice. The book argues for a return to first principles and that the possibility of a reconfiguration of economic ordering and market and trading culture should be considered; as business malpractice is largely inherent in the dominant capitalist model, that model is in need of repurposing and reform.
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, this book will be a valuable resource for scholars and students of law with a focus on business, commercial law and criminal law, in addition to researchers of corporate governance and public administration and management. Its critical arguments will also benefit NGOs, business professionals and campaign groups.