Fostering responsible business conduct in foreign direct investment in cee countries : the role of state

Background. Multinational companies are seen as the key players of global markets. Despite the growing power of business and multinational corporations, the state has the role to play in the execution of responsible and lawful behaviour of companies through employment of a variety of measures e.g. legal provisions, judicial mechanisms, and internationally recognised soft law standards. Research aims. The aim of this article is to discuss the role of the state in providing the framework ensuring responsible business conduct through the implementation of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises and effectiveness of functioning of the OECD National Contact Points (NCPs) as tools for observance of corporate behaviour. Methodology. The argumentation presented is based on literature review, conference materials, documentary and internet sources analysis and synthesis, as well as interviews conducted with representatives of the OECD National Contact Points located in selected CEE countries and Western Europe.