This book investigates the social and ethical performance of major American corporations to determine how their internal policies impact the broader public interest. The authors, representing the Council on Economic Priorities, utilize extensive research and data collection to establish a framework for evaluating corporate behavior. By analyzing specific metrics related to social responsibility, the text provides a structured method for consumers to assess the ethical standing of the companies behind their daily purchases.

Experts recognize this work as a foundational text in the field of corporate social responsibility and ethical consumerism. Readers frequently note the clarity of the data presentation, which allows for straightforward comparisons between large-scale commercial entities.