BLC CSR - Corporate Social Responsibility* CLOSED FOR FURTHER ENROLMENT

Faculty
Robert Strand & Anne Mette Christiansen

Course Coordinator
Robert Strand

The role of business in society is changing rapidly, driven by changes in stakeholders’ demands and expectations. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is at the nexus of how business responds to these changing demands and expectations. We will explore the inherently complex topics associated with CSR. This is primarily a discussion based course, where paradoxical ‘real life’ case studies are posed to students on complex topics (child labor issues, cultural challenges, environmental degradation issues) in which students engage first hand in the discussion and debate that they will undoubtedly face as future managers in business.

As a future manager you will be faced with these questions. We will explore how CSR is becoming both a condition for business and a potential competitive advantage. Is it business’s responsibility to consider such global challenges as climate change, child labour, poverty, human rights violations, corruption, environmental degradation? Are profits and ethics competing interests? Investors are asking questions about companies’ climate strategy. Customers are asking how and where products are produced. Governments have started to regulate transparency and conduct. NGOs are sometimes watchdogs and sometimes corporate partners. The media is full of stories about corporate misconduct.

In this course we are exploring questions that are increasingly important to explore but they can only be addressed through discussion. Therefore your active participation and engagement throughout this course is necessary. We do not need to agree on issues of business in society, but we do expect a lively debate in the classroom.

Some central CSR theories will be explored, including stakeholder theory and comparison to traditional economic theories of the firm such as shareholder theory. Additionally, fundamental underlying ethical theories will be discussed in their connection to CSR- such as the ethics of care, as well as considerations of universalism and relativism.

At the end of the course, the student must be able to:

This course works to develop the reflexive capabilities of students, working to help develop the students’ 1) connective thinking 2) critical thinking and 3) awareness utilizing the topics associated with Corporate Social Responsibility as the basis.

Students must demonstrate a command of the subject material presented and discussed in class, the ability to reflect upon this material and demonstrate a coherent command of the complexities of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Written examination using CBS computers responding to a small suite of questions in English. An English-Danish dictionary is the only aid that will be allowed in the exam. Assessment will be made by examiner (the primary instructor) with a comparison to censor’s assessment to better ensure consistency.

Business Ethics 3nd Edition by Crane and Matten is the primary text. Supplemental texts will be included throughout the course.