Water pollution in China: How can business influence for good?

Abstract

Despite China's comprehensive system of environmental laws and standards, poor water quality is widespread. This has significant detrimental effects on Chinese society and business, and causes serious economic losses. Academic commentary on this issue has largely focused on increasing the effectiveness of government enforcement of laws related to water pollution. However, effective enforcement will depend on legal and institutional reform, and problems are unlikely to be solved quickly. As a result, it is necessary to look beyond the state. This paper argues that some businesses, here termed 'influencing firms', have significant capacity to influence other businesses ('target firms') to impr..