This certificate course jointly engages participants in the contemporary debates surrounding the benefits and challenges of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for businesses of all sizes and sectors. The course will examine the increase in popularity of CSR mandates, the qualities of successful programs, and their resilience during economic recessions, while also critically examining through case studies their effectiveness and ability to create global social change in supply chains, accountability, and working conditions. The course will address the multiple stakeholder perspectives of corporate social responsibility, beginning with the business case for CSR, the "triple bottom line" theory, as well as the role of social/impact investing. The course will also look closely into economic and social justice, environmental externalities, the changing role of technology, as well as the impact of consumer awareness and education. Strong emphasis will be placed throughout the course not only on business practices and responsible management, but on ethical concepts of the role of business and enforcement mechanisms. Participants will explore debates on the voluntary nature of CSR initiatives, the neo-liberal economic perspective of the role of business, the effectiveness of regulatory measures, and the future of CSR, and will take part in interactive webinars with the instructor and business leaders.
This e-learning course involves approximately 30 hours of reading, interaction with students and the instructor on discussion boards, quizzes, a written assignment and webinars. The course is based on a participatory, active learning approach, with an emphasis on critical reflection and peer-to-peer learning. The maximum number of course participants is 25. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation. It also possible to audit the course.
Course outline
Week 1. CSR norms and practices
Week 2. The business case for social responsibility
Week 3. Multi-stakeholder approaches
Week 4. CSR and social change
Week 5. Enforcement and current debates
Week 6. The future of CSR in recessions as well as economic booms
How to register:
For more detailed information and online registration: www.hrea.org/corporate-social-responsibility