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Corporate responsibility

Convenor: Dr Suzanne Konzelmann
Assessment: This module will be assessed via exam only

Aims

The aims of this module are to:

  • provide students with an understanding and appreciation of the challenges currently facing business, government, civil society, international organizations and individuals in their efforts to link successful business practice with broader social, environmental and ethical concerns;
  • offer students creative perspectives on the evolving relationship between business and a wider range of stakeholders; and
  • present students with an opportunity to engage in inquiry processes to test the relevance of the latest research ideas and practice in corporate social responsibility.

Learning objectives

At the end of this module students will:

  • have a greater appreciation of changing conceptual frameworks underlying the implicit contract between business and society (including current thinking on corporate social responsibility, sustainability in business, gender and diversity, and new approaches to auditing and reporting);
  • understand the key challenges being faced by businesses as they negotiate their relationships with changing social and environmental conditions;
  • be aware of some of the limits and possibilities of new business practices both in the UK and internationally; and
  • be able to use methods for developing reflective leadership, change agency and critical thinking relevant to social responsibility in personal and organizational contexts

Content

Corporate Responsibility (CSR) is fast developing as a key concern for business and its many stakeholders from the local to the global level. Although the theory and practice of CSR have deep historical roots, the current CSR agenda is much more diverse and complex, and remains contested. Increasing numbers of companies are being challenged to express forms of social and environmental responsibility in their business practice. Questions are raised as to whether CSR may be seen as part of a larger movement to redefine the relationship between businesses and society, as an attempt on the part of business organisations to adapt to new circumstances or alternatively to avoid more substantial, systemic change. Advocates and supporters of CSR encompass individuals working in companies, nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), trade unions and other organisations with different levels of power, commitment and scope to promote social, environmental and ethical responsibility in companies.

Background reading

The following is indicative of the nature and level of material to be mastered in the course.

  • Savitz, Andrew & Karl Weber, 2006, The Triple Bottom Line: How Today's Best-Run Companies Are Achieving Economic, Social and Environmental Success -- and Hope You Can Too.
  • Visser, Wayne, Dirk Matten, Manfred Pohl & Nick Tolhurst, 2007, The A to Z of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Complete Reference Guide to Concepts, Codes and Organisations
  • Vogel, David, 2006, The Market for Virtue: The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Pearce, Fred, 2006, When the Rivers Run Dry: What Happens When Our Water Runs Out?