The course focuses on possible tensions between what is profitable in business, and what is ethical. The aim is to teach the student how to analyze and understand the strategic side of CSR (how corporate social responsibility affects profitability), and the normative side of CSR (how ought managers/corporations to act, and what is the role of corporations in society). The lectures will draw on theory and evidence from several disciplines, including ethics, economics, management, and political science. Ethically challenging phenomena such as corruption will be discussed to illustrate main points and lessons from the course. After completing the course, the students are expected to have the following:
Knowledge:
Upon successful completion the student can:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the concept and main categories of corporate social responsibility.
- Understand and critically assess evidence on incentives for corporations to act responsibly.
- Understand the ethical case for CSR, and the implications of different normative perspectives for CSR
- Analyze CSR in the context of globalization and development, and corporate political activity
- Understand how international initiatives and regulatory approaches in the CSR area affect corporate conduct
Skills:
Upon completion of the course the student will
- Be able to analyze the impact of CSR activities on the corporation and on stakeholders
- Be able to apply normative reasoning to ethically challenging questions and situations
- Be proficient in analyzing the effectiveness of public policies in promoting ethical conduct among corporations
General competence:
Upon successful completion the student will
- Be able to analyze the role of business in society.