Faculty
Cand.merc.fil

Course Coordinator
Steen Vallentin

None in particular. However, a basic knowledge of ethical theory, political theory, social theory and organization theory should be an advantage. Compared to courses on CSR and business ethics at the bachelor level, this course will more strongly emphasize not only the thinking behind CSR, but also the critical aspects of CSR as well as the latest research developments in the field. Thus, it can serve as a progression to students already acquainted with CSR.

The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of developments in the broad field of CSR (corporate social responsibility). Developments, not only in terms of corporate activities and trends, but also in terms of the thinking about business and its role in society that the concept of CSR involves. Thus, while the course strongly emphasizes the practical and strategic dimension of CSR it also engages students in discussions of the ethical and political aspects and ramifications of CSR.

The course is divided into two introductory sessions and four modules. The first session is used to present an outline of the course and introduce its main themes and perspectives. The second session focuses on the practical dimension of CSR: the techniques and tools used by companies under this heading. Module 1 provides a thorough and critical introduction to the core concepts of the course: CSR and business ethics. Module 2 focuses on the various criticisms that have been leveled at CSR. Module 3 presents some vital research frontiers in the field of CSR. Module 4 includes a group assignment and the wrap-up of the course.

This is an advanced course that will provide students with a strong foundation for developing knowledge and reflexive skills in regard to CSR and business ethics.

After following the course, students are expected to:

Individual oral exam based on synopsis (written individually or in groups of up to 4 students). Students from Cand.merc.(fil.), for whom the course is mandatory, will have the option to take the exam in Danish.

The teaching will be a mixture of lectures and, in the final module, group presentations. The students are expected to engage actively in discussions throughout the course.

Bakan, J. (2004): The Corporation. EU: Constable.

Campbell, J.L. (2007): Why Should Corporations Behave in Socially Responsible Ways? An Institutional Theory of Corporate Social Responsibility. Academy of Management Review, vol. 32/3: 946-967.

Crook, C. (2005). The Good Company – A sceptical look at corporate social responsibility. The Economist, January.

Friedman, M. (1962): Social Responsibility of Capital and Labor. In: Capitalism and Freedom (pp. 133-136). USA: The University of Chicago Press

Friedman, M. (1970): The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. In: Hoffman, W.M., Frederick, R.E. & Schwartz, M.S. (eds.) (2001): Business Ethics – Readings and cases in Corporate Morality (pp. 156-160). USA: McGraw-Hill.

Franklin, D. (2008): Special Report: CSR. The Economist, January.

Jones, C., Parker, M. & ten Bos, R. (2005). For Business Ethics. London: Routledge.

Reich, R. (2007): Supercapitalism. USA: Alfred A. Knopf.

Matten, D. & Moon, J. (2008): ”Implicit” and ”Explicit” CSR: A Conceptual Framework for a Comparative Understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility. Academy of Management Review, vol. 33/4: 404-424.

Margolis, J.D. & Walsh, J.P. (2003): Misery Loves Companies – Rethinking Social Initiatives by Business. Administrative Science Quarterly, vol. 48: 268-305.

Porter, M.E. & Kramer, M.R. (2006): Strategy & Society – The Link Between Competitive Advantage and Corporate Social Responsibility. Harvard Business Review, December Issue: 78-92.

Scherer, A.G. & Pallazzo, G. (2007): Towards a Political Conception of Corporate Responsibility: Business and Society Seen From a Habermasian Perspective. Academy of Management, vol. 32/4: 1096-1120.

Vogel, D. (2005): The Market for Virtue – The Potential and Limits of Corporate Social Responsibility. Harrisonburg, Virginia: Brookings Institution Press.

Weaver, G., Trevino, L.K. & Cochran, P.K. (1999): Integrated and Decoupled Corporate Social Performance: Management Commitments, External Pressures and Corporate Ethics Practices. Academy of Management Journal, vol. 42/5, 539-552.