There is near universal agreement the human rights of all individuals should be respected. Yet in practice, there are differences of opinions over the universality and application of human rights in specific situations. Instead of advocating excessive scrutiny and regulation of human rights based on a single set of values, thus discouraging FDI in the least developed countries of the world; it is argued multinational enterprises can have the most positive impact on human rights by actively seeking out opportunities to operate in the areas of the world most affected by poverty. By concentrating on doing what the private sector does best, creating livelihood and purchasing options which individuals have the right to choose or reject, the private section can have a significant impact on creating wealth and reducing poverty.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the perspectives of workers in one of the least developed economies (Cambodia) on the creation of new job and livelihood opportunities created by foreign firms or foreign investment. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative: randomly selected interviews of individuals. Findings Individuals working in international organizations find international business activities increase their livelihood options and therefore help to improve their lives. Research limitations/implications An exploratory approach using convenience sampling was taken which limits generalizing the results to a broader population. Practical implications The concepts explored can be used by individual firms when formulating their social responsibility programmes and the ethical implications of their business practices in emerging markets as well as by governments in creating public policies concerning poverty reduction. Social implications Presents and respects the views of lower income individuals working in the tourism industry whose voices are often overlooked when corporate social responsibility and public policies are designed. Originality/value Provides a perspective about poverty reduction of individuals from low-income backgrounds whose lives are directly impacted by international investment and trade.

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Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore and compare the perceptions of workers in the tourism industry in Thailand in foreign-owned and locally owned firms to provide an underrepresented perspective in the debate over whether international trade and tourism primarily exploits workers or provides valuable opportunities. Design/methodology/approach A matched-pairs comparative analysis was used. Findings Workers at foreign-owned companies showed slightly, although statistically insignificant, more positive attitudes toward tourism as a means of creating opportunities for themselves. Workers in foreign-owned companies showed a statistically significant more positive attitude toward the impact of tourism on the country. It appears the vast majority of the workers interviewed did not feel exploited, but empowered by opportunities to engage in employment in the tourism industry. Research limitations/implications The use of self-reported measures has been acknowledged to be problematic and the size and composition of the sample limit the ability to generalize the findings to a broader population. Practical implications Understanding the perspectives of the workers in an industry can be useful in policy development and implementing corporate social responsibility programs. The results suggest workers would support programs which encourage increases in tourism and foreign investment in the industry. Social implications reflect the perceptions of an under-represented segment of society. Originality/value The intention is to help bring into the debate the perspectives of individuals who are most directly affected by these activities.

Purpose -The purpose of this article is to address the question of what it means to be critical in relationship to international business. Design/methodology/approach -Explores the underlying assumptions and objectives in the debates involving international business and trade. Findings -The emotional aspects of the debate have resulted in obscuring the objectives and underlying assumptions of those involved in the discussions. It is proposed that the underlying assumptions are reevaluated and there is a refocusing of objectives in order to produce more productive results from being critical of international business. The debate should resume with an acceptance of well established principles supported by decades of empirical research and history by all parties and the debate should focus on the actual practices of international businesses in an attempt to make international trade work for all rather than attacking international business as an institution. Originality/value -Explores the overlooked underlying assumptions and differing objectives of those involved in criticizing international business. Focusing on the prime objective of being critical of international business, lessening poverty around the world, rather than on the debate and one's perceived opponents, will lead to academia better fulfilling its role of being an objective observer and reporter of international business activities in the debate and lessen the risk of academia becoming a biased participant.