Philip M. Nichols

Philip M. Nichols
  • Joseph Kolodny Professor of Social Responsibility in Business
  • Professor of Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Contact Information

  • office Address:

    655 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
    3730 Walnut Street
    Philadelphia, PA 19104

Research Interests: corruption, emerging economies, international trade and investment

Links: CV

Overview

Education

JD, Duke University, 1988; LLM, Duke University, 1988; AB, Harvard University, 1982

Career and Recent Professional Awards; Teaching Awards

Fulbright Fellowship; Hoeber Award (best article), 2011, 2020; Ralph J. Bunche Award (best international paper), 2002; John Bonsignore Award for Career of Excellence in Teaching, 2020; Lindback Teaching Award, 2000; David W. Hauck Award for Outstanding Teaching, 1996; Wharton Excellence in Teaching Award, 2021; Excellence in Teaching Award (Undergraduate Division), 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2012, 2013;  Rappaport Core Teaching Award 2004, 2009; Trustees Council of Penn Women Award for Undergraduate Advising 2022; Huntsman Program Senior Teaching Award, 2013; Intergreek Council Award for Outstanding Professor, 1996

Academic Positions Held

Wharton: 1992-present. Visiting Appointments: National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Indian School of Business, Hyderabad, India; Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Singapore Management University, Singapore; University of Montevideo, Montevideo, Uruguay

Other Positions

Past-President, Academy of Legal Studies in Business; Past Co-Chair, United Nations Committee on Electronic Commerce and Trade Facilitation Law Group (Genève, Switzerland); Past Co-Chair, International Economic Law Group, American Society of International Law; Past Co-Chair, Anti-Corruption Law Interest Group, American Society of International Law

Judicial Clerk, United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 1988-89

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Research

  • Philip M. Nichols, Corporate Accountability for Corruption and the Business Case for Transparency. In The Cambridge Companion to Business & Human Rights Law, edited by Ilias Bantekas & Michael Ashley Stein, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021), pp. 260-282

    Abstract: A robust global legal regime holds business firms accountable for engaging in corruption. This chapter explicates that regime. This chapter also puts forth a business case for not engaging in corruption. Corruption imposes real costs on businesses, and degrades the quantity and quality of relationships into which they might enter. The chapter concludes with a discussion of measures that all businesses should take to mitigate the likelihood that persons associated with them will engage in corruption. Before discussing any of these topics, however, this chapter first discusses the definition of corruption and describes the harms corruption inflicts.

  • Philip M. Nichols, The Transnationalization of Anti-Corruption Law: An Introduction and Overview. In The Transnationalization of Anticorruption Law, edited by Régis Bismuth, Jan Dunin-Wasowicz & Philip M. Nichols, (London: Routledge, 2021), pp. 1-27

    Abstract: This chapter presents an overview of three concepts/phenomenon. First, the chapter discusses definitions and understandings of the phenomenon of corruption. Second, the chapter describes the global anticorruption regime, a network of laws and regulations that encompass international treaties, the administrative rules of intergovernmental organizations, arbitral rules, local law, and local administrative rules. Finally, this chapter introduces the concept of transnational law, the many ways in which the global anticorruption regime exemplifies transnational law, and how in turn the concept of transnational law can usefully illuminate the global anticorruption regime.

  • Philip M. Nichols (Ed.), The Transnationalization of Anticorruption Law (London: Routledge, 2021)

    Abstract: The last twenty years have witnessed an astonishing transformation: the fight against corruption has grown from a handful of local undertakings into a truly global effort. Law occupies a central role in that effort and this timely book assesses the challenges faced in using law as it too morphs from a handful of local rules into a global regime. The book presents the perspectives of a global array of scholars, of policy makers, and of practitioners. Topics range from critical theoretical understandings of the global regime as a whole, to regional and local experiences in implementing and influencing the regime, including specific legal techniques such as deferred prosecution agreements, addressing corruption issues in dispute resolution, whistleblower protection, civil and administrative prosecutions, as well as blocking statutes. The book also includes discussions of the future shape of the global regime, the emergence of transnational compliance standards, and discussions by leaders of international organizations that take a leading role in the transnationalization of anti-corruption law. The Transnationalization of Anti-Corruption Law deals with the most salient aspects of the global anti-corruption regime. It is written by people who contribute to the structure of the regime, who practice within the regime, and who study the regime. It is written for anyone interested in corruption or corruption control in general, anyone with a general interest in jurisprudence or in international law, and especially anyone who is interested in critical thinking and analysis of how law can control corruption in a global context.

  • Philip M. Nichols (2020), Preventing the Corruption of Healthcare Algorithms, Notre Dame Journal on Emerging Technologies, 47.

    Abstract: The intersection of technology and healthcare will radically change the provision of healthcare services.  The full extent of the changes cannot be known now, but the direction is clear: collection of voluminous data and tools powerful enough to analyze that data will facilitate the design of algorithms that will enable machines to make important decisions regarding diagnoses and treatments.  In addition to the possible benefits, policymakers and scholars have focused on issues of privacy and potential bias.  The potential for corruption of the design of healthcare algorithms has been ignored, but the potential for corruption is real and dangerous.  This article shows how healthcare algorithms could be corrupted by pharmaceutical and medical device firms and examines the possibility that such corruption will occur.  The article concludes that the likelihood, verging on certainty, of corruption requires transparent public review of healthcare algorithms.  Privacy and bias are more comfortable subjects, but new technologies require new thinking if the benefits of algorithmic healthcare are to be enjoyed.

  • Philip M. Nichols (2019), Bribing the Machine: Protecting the Integrity of Algorithms as the Revolution Begins, American Business Law Journal, 44. 10.1111/ablj.12151

    Abstract: In the Industrial Revolution, machines took on the burden of physical labor; in the Big Data Revolution, machines are taking on the tasks of making decisions. Algorithms are the rules and processes that enable machines to make those decisions. Machines will make many decisions that affect general well-being. This article addresses a threat to the efficacy of those decisions: the intentional distortion or manipulation of the underlying algorithm so that machines make decisions that benefit self-interested third parties, rather than decisions that enhance public well-being. That threat has not been recognized or addressed by legal thinkers or policy makers. This article first examines the lifecycle of an algorithm, and then demonstrates the likelihood that self-interested third parties will attempt to corrupt the development and operation of algorithms. The article then argues that existing mechanisms cannot protect the integrity of algorithms. The article concludes with a discussion of policies that could protect the integrity of algorithms: transparency in both the development of and the content of algorithms that affect general well-being and holding persons who corrupt the integrity of such algorithms accountable. Just as the Industrial Revolution eventually improved the quality of life for many, so too does the Big Data Revolution offer enhancement of general well-being. That promise, however, will only be realized if policy makers take action to protect the integrity of underlying algorithms now, at the beginning of the revolution.

  • Philip M. Nichols, Promoting Creating Shared Value Strategies as a Tool for Controlling Corruption. In Mastering Corruption: The Practitioner’s View, edited by Wolfgang Amann & Agata Stachowicz-Stanusch, (Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, 2019), pp. 147-165

    Abstract: Creating Shared Value is strategy an individual business firm may choose to adopt in an effort to improve its competitiveness and increase its profits. The essence of the strategy is to improve social structures in which the business is embedded or on which it relies. Corruption weakens social structures and degrades society. Corruption also adds expenses and difficulties to the conduct of business. Individual business firms, therefore, should consider undertaking projects to reduce corruption in order to make themselves more competitive and more profitable. This chapter applies research on successful implementation of Creating Shared Value strategies to the current state of knowledge about corruption and finds that corruption presents an easier path to implementation than strategies that deal with other social weaknesses. The chapter concludes with a brief hypothetical illustration.

  • Philip M. Nichols, Article 39. In The United Nations Convention Against Corruption: A Commentary, edited by Cecily Rose, Michael Kubiciel & Oliver Landwehr, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019), pp. 389-395

    Abstract: An explanation of Article 39 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Article 39 is the third of three articles in the Convention, along with Articles 37 and 38, which oblige States Parties to facilitate cooperation with investigatory and prosecuting agencies. Article 39 obliges States Parties to facilitate cooperation between entities, and to consider facilitating cooperation between individuals, in the private sector and public investigatory and prosecuting agencies.

  • Philip M. Nichols, Article 38. In The United Nations Convention Against Corruption: A Commentary, edited by Cecily Rose, Michael Kubiciel & Oliver Landwehr, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019), pp. 383-388

    Abstract: This chapter explains Article 38 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Article 38 is the second of three articles, along with Articles 37 and 39, which oblige States Parties to create measures to encourage cooperation among different parties in the detection and prosecution of corrupt acts. Article 38 obliges States Parties to facilitate cooperation between investigatory and prosecuting agencies and other parts of the government. Intragovernmental cooperation is generally recognized as an “essential” component of an undertaking to reduce public sector corruption.

  • Philip M. Nichols, Article 37. In The United Nations Convention Against Corruption: A Commentary, edited by Cecily Rose, Michael Kubiciel, and Oliver Landwehr, (New York: Oxford University Press, 2019), pp. 374-382

    Abstract: This chapter explains Article 37 of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption. Article 37 is the first of three articles, along with Articles 38 and 39, which oblige States Parties to create measures to encourage cooperation among different parties in the detection and prosecution of corrupt acts. Article 37 requires States Parties to develop procedures to secure cooperation from parties to corruption. In many jurisdictions such parties are called “collaborators of justice,” in some jurisdictions they are called “cooperating witnesses.” Regardless of the appellation, these witnesses present special opportunities and special difficulties to investigators and prosecutors. They present special opportunities because they have unique knowledge of the hidden activities of organized criminal activity. However, the very fact of their involvement and association with the organized criminal activity subjects them to high risk of intimidation and punishment, and prosecutors must take care to protect the safety of such witnesses.

  • Philip M. Nichols (2019), Maximizing Stakeholder Trust as a Tool for Controlling Corruption, Crime, Law and Social Change, 71 (2), pp. 171-195. 10.1007/s10611-017-9767-2

    Abstract: Corruption, particularly bribery of government officials, inflicts substantial damage on people, society, and the world, and warrants control. Collective efforts to control corruption tend to focus on rules and compliance with those rules. This paper suggests that collective action also consider the creation of strong ethical cultures in business firms. Implementation of such programs is impeded by the difficulty in prescribing a course of action and by the difficulty in measuring the strength of an ethical culture. This paper suggests the measurement and maximization of stakeholder trust as a proxy for measures of ethical culture. The qualities that engender stakeholder trust correspond with ethical behaviors. Stakeholder trust confers benefits on business firms, which will incentivize and justify its measurement. Implementation of a program focused on ethical culture would benefit from collective action both by normalizing behaviors and in the development of sophisticated measurement tools.

Teaching

All Courses

  • LGST1000 - Ethics & Social Resp

    This course explores business responsibility from rival theoretical and managerial perspectives. Its focus includes theories of ethics and their application to case studies in business. Topics include moral issues in advertising and sales; hiring and promotion; financial management; corporate pollution; product safety; and decision-making across borders and cultures.

  • LGST1010 - Law and Social Values

    This course presents law as an evolving social institution, with special emphasis on the legal regulation of business in the context of social values. It considers basic concepts of law and legal process, in the U.S. and other legal systems, and introduces the fundamentals of rigorous legal analysis. An in-depth examination of contract law is included.

  • LGST2140 - Int'l Bus Transactions

    This course aims to familiarize students with and prepare students for the conduct of international transactions. Students will work their way through a series of hypothetical trade transactions, placed against a background of concepts and general theories. Students will take a hypothetical firm through a series of possible transnational investments, again after discussion of concepts and general theories. Throughout, the course will discuss issues of importance to emerging economies. Students should be able to make thoughtful choices rather than simply reciting bullet points about international business transactions.

  • LGST2160 - Emerging Economies

    This course explores important issues in conducting business internationally in and with emerging economies. Much of the course attempts to define emerging economies and to understand the changes occurring in these countries. The course also examines the position of emerging economies in the global context, and how broad social issues affect the development of emerging economies and the ability to establish relationships or conduct business in emerging economies.

  • LGST2300 - Social Impact & Resp

    What role can business play in helping to meet global societal needs, whether it involves the environment, improving health, expanding education or eradicating poverty? Is there any responsibility on the part of business to help meet those needs? What are models of successful business engagement in this area? How should success be measured? Are there limits to what businesses can and should do, and what institutional changes will enable businesses and entrepreneurs to better succeed? This survey course provides students the opportunity to engage in the critical analysis of these and other questions that lie at the foundation of social impact and responsibility as an area of study. The course involves case studies, conceptual issues, and talks by practitioners. The course is designed to help students develop a framework to address the question: How should business enterprises and business thinking be engaged to improve society in areas not always associated with business? The course is required for the secondary concentration in Social Impact and Responsibility

  • LGST2990 - Seminar in Law & Society

    A study of the nature, functions, and limits of law as an agency of societal policy. Each semester an area of substantive law is studied for the purpose of examining the relationship between legal norms developed and developing in the area and societal problems and needs. Please see department for current offerings.

  • LGST6110 - Resp in Global Mgmt

    This course uses the global business context to introduce students to important legal, ethical and cultural challenges they will face as business leaders. Cases and materials will address how business leaders, constrained by law and motivated to act responsibly in a global context, should analyze relevant variables to make wise decisions. Topics will include an introduction to the basic theoretical frameworks used in the analysis of ethical issues, such as right-based, consequentialist-based, and virtue-based reasoning, and conflicting interpretations of corporate responsibility. The course will include materials that introduce students to basic legal (common law vs. civil law) and normative (human rights) regimes at work in the global economy as well as sensitize them to the role of local cultural traditions in global business activity. Topics may also include such issues as comparative forms of corporate governance, bribery and corruption in global markets, human rights issues, diverse legal compliance systems, corporate responses to global poverty, global environmental responsibilities, and challenges arising when companies face conflicting ethical demands between home and local, host country mores. The pedagogy emphasizes globalized cases, exercises, and theoretical materials from the fields of legal studies, business ethics and social responsibility.

  • MGMT8970 - Global Modular Course A

    Special course arranged for Wharton MBA students, focused on global business, management and innovation.

  • MGMT8980 - Global Modular Course B

    removing WH 898 as erroneous crosslist.

  • OIDD8970 - Global Modular Course

    Global Modular Course (GMC) - MBA

  • PPE3999 - Independent Study

    Student arranges with a faculty member to pursue a research project on a suitable topic. For more information about research and setting up independent studies, visit: https://ppe.sas.upenn.edu/study/curriculum/independent-studies

Awards and Honors

  • Trustees Council of Penn Women Award for Undergraduate Advising, 2022
  • Wharton Teaching Excellence Award, 2021
  • Hoeber Award, Best Article Published in the American Business Law Journal, 2020
  • John Bonsignore for Career of Excellence in Teaching, 2020
  • Best Paper, Canadian Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Conference, 2019
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2013
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2012
  • Distinguished Paper, Academy of Legal Studies in Business Annual Conference, 2011
  • Hoeber Award, 2011
  • Rappaport Core Teaching Award, 2009
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2006
  • Rappaport Core Teaching Award, 2004
  • The Ralph J. Bunche Award for the Best International Law Paper by the Academy of Legal Studies in Business, 2002
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2001
  • Lindback Award for Teaching, 2000
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 2000
  • Lindback Award for Teaching, 2000
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1999
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1998
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1997
  • David W. Hauck Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching, 1996
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1996
  • Intergreek Council Award for Outstanding Professor, 1996
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1995
  • Undergraduate Teaching Award, 1994

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Latest Research

Philip M. Nichols, Corporate Accountability for Corruption and the Business Case for Transparency. In The Cambridge Companion to Business & Human Rights Law, edited by Ilias Bantekas & Michael Ashley Stein, (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2021), pp. 260-282
All Research

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