Module Code - Title:
MG6013
-
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISE
Year Last Offered:
2025/6
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aims of this course is to introduce CSR & SE to students by: critically assessing the emergence of CSR; reviewing the difference approaches and definitions of the concept; to position CSR within wider movements in business theory such as a Relationship and Networks approach; to examine the both the business and societal case for CSR; and examining the business opportunities for engaging in socially responsible enterprise, such as viewing it as a source of innovation and competitive advantage. In doing so it is intended to provide a framework both for further study and for planning and evaluating the actions and performance of an organisation in the context of sustainable and socially responsible activity.
Syllabus:
a) Context: Introduction to CSR; defining CSR; critical review of the emergence of CSR in contemporary business practice; review of the tensions between contemporary capitalism and socially responsible business practice; globalisation and CSR; examination of the failure and need for CSR; examination of the business and social case for CSR, the domain of CSR (environment, workplace, community and marketplace)
b) Implementation frameworks: Stakeholder theory, relationships and networks approach to business, CSR as a source of learning, social entrepreneurship, sustainability as a source of innovation, CSR in not-for-profit organisations, CSR for SMEs
c) CSR implementation practices: performance evaluation and performance reporting board management training, environmental management strategies, communications and stakeholder engagement, stakeholder relationship management, becoming a learning organisation, change management, business planning for sustainable enterprises
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
To understand and explain the relationship between CSR and corporate and managerial behaviour.
To describe and critique the various components of socially responsible behaviour.
To evaluate possible actions of a corporation in response to its environment.
To apply critical and interpretative skills to an evaluation of corporate activity.
Students will be assessed on their knowledge of some key theoretical and empirical issues that pertain to corporate social responsibility. These include: The different types of CSR activities, and their effects; Explanations of CSR derived from Stakeholder theory approach; The links between CSR and corporate reputation, The financial performance of firms, geographical diversification and corporate governance.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
To be aware of the importance of ensuring that the actions of organisations are socially aware and contribute to sustainability
To having increased awareness of effective stakeholder management and to conduct strategic planning within a sustainable environment
An appreciation of the complex ethical, managerial, organisational and economic issues involved with socially responsible business management.
A knowledge of a range of corporate social responsibility management strategies and control mechanisms.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The module will be taught using a range of methods including lectures, role-plays, psychological simulations, teamwork activities and presentations
Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Knowledgeable: Students will gain a deep knowledge of through practical examples, coursework and in-class groupwork; Proactive: Students are expected to be proactive in their own learning through independent study and self-directed learning; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various ethical issues; Collaborative: Students will be required to participate in class discussions and group work; Articulate: Students will become articulate in expressing advice through the use of in-class discussions, presentations and written coursework
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Waddock, Sandra (2007)
Total Responsibility Management
, Greenleaf Publishing
Warner, Michael and Rory Sullivan Eds (2004)
Putting Partnerships to Work: Strategic Alliances for Development between Government, the Private Sector and Civil Society
, Greenleaf Publishing
Byerly, Robin T. (2005)
Seeking global solutions for the common good: a new world order and corporate social responsibility," in Corporate Social Responsibility, Accountability and Governance, Istemi Demirag, Ed
, Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing.
Other Relevant Texts:
Leipziger, Deborah (2003)
The Corporate Responsibility Code Book
, Greenleaf Publishing
Perceval, Christopher (2003)
Towards a Process View of the Business Case for Sustainable Development: Lessons from the Experience at BP and Shell
, Journal of Corporate Citizenship, 2003 (9), 1-16
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MBBACOTBA - Master of Business Administration (Corporate)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
barry.sheehan@ul.ie