Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Objective

The course aims to explore the many perspectives of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable business. It gives an overview of the most important CSR concepts and theories, as well as analyse the connections of CSR to consumption practices, strategic thinking and business ethics.

After completion of the course the student is able to
- critically examine the way corporate social responsibility is theorized and practiced in a market context
- analyze the relationship between moral philosophy and the notion of responsible business
- critically evaluate the strategic nature of corporate social responsibility for achieving both business and societal goals
- explain how consumption practices relate to corporate responsibility and sustainability
- apply practical models and tools for the development of responsible business strategies.

Execution methods

Lectures, classroom discussions and workshops (28 h); independent work.

Accomplishment methods

Active participation online and in class. Individual and group assignments.

Content

Corporate social responsibility, sustainable business, social/environmental management systems, sustainable marketing, sustainable consumption, stakeholder theory, business ethics, moral philosophy, ethical decision-making.

Materials

Crane, A. & Matten, D. (2019 or older editions). Business Ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.

Reading package.

Teaching methods

FACE-TO-FACE, intensive week

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Fail: Performance is highly deficient or erroneous. The work may be based on serious misunderstandings.

Sufficient and satisfactory (1-2): Performance is lacking in scope, superficial, or corresponds poorly to the assignment. The author merely lists things out of context or addresses them one-sidedly. The work may contain errors or obscurities.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

Good and very good (3-4): Performance corresponds to the assignment, manifesting comprehension and a skill to analyse and justify. The author has addressed the issue comprehensively. The work may contain some deficiencies.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Excellent (5): Performance delineates an extensive whole and the author can apply knowledge in a multifaceted way or place it in various contexts. The work manifests independency and insight, and it is a flawless entity that involves justified thinking or critical contemplation. The work is well written and implemented.