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  • The Environment
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Corporate responsibilities

Nature Biotechnology volume 17, pages BV31–BV32 (1999)Cite this article

In a complex world increasingly engineered by humans, companies must assume broader responsibilities than before1. In biotechnology especially, the most powerful barriers to technological evolution are not likely to be scientific, economic, nor even environmental, but cultural. It is perhaps the primary responsibility of the biotechnology firm to manage the cultural shifts that will occur.

The private firm is a creation of law, and by virtue of such laws, the firm exists to make a profit for its owners, the shareholders.2 Although some, such as Milton Friedman, insist the firm can and should go no further, it is generally recognized today that virtually all firms have a broader responsibility to society. As the business strategist, Henry Mintzberg, commented: "The fact is that corporate leaders have to be leaders of institutions, not just businesses. . . ."3 Thus, most firms support charitable activities and engage in the activities of the community, if only to ensure that the implicit social contract under which they operate remains strong.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environment, Health and Safety vice president at AT&T, 20 Independence Boulevard, Warren, 07059, NJ, USA

    Brad Allenby

  2. adjunct professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs,

    Brad Allenby

Author notes

  1. The views in this article are his own, and not necessarily those of any institution with which he is associated.

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    1. Brad Allenby
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    Allenby, B. Corporate responsibilities. Nat Biotechnol 17 (Suppl 2), BV31–BV32 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/7171

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