To what extent should multinational corporations doing business in developing countries contribute to improving social conditions? Where should the line be drawn between corporate responsibility, and the responsibility of other agents, such as the governments of developing countries or the international community? This research programme addresses the responsibility of corporations in countries with poorly functioning public institutions, from a normative perspective. Furthermore, an empirical study will be performed to assess the impact of corporate responsibility on corporate profits. Finally, a final study addresses the responsibility of the oil sector in resource-rich countries, using Angola as a case.