This paper discusses the concept of corporate social responsibility as it applies to human resource development (HRD). It is argued that the economic and political power enjoyed by contemporary corporations brings with it an associated set of responsibilities and duties, particularly in the light of issues emerging in the global and local political environment. These issues arise in part from a shifting of the regulatory ground from the achievement of ‘social good’ to ‘economic good’, and the shifting of risk from business organisations to individuals and communities. The paper considers the impact of these changes on human resource development. Some of the areas in which an organisation’s social and ethical responsibility can encompass HRD practices are explored, and possible HRD responses to the issues and concerns raised are discussed.
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