The aim of the module is to develop an understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability informed by ethical theory and stakeholder perspectives. Students will have the opportunity to familiarise with essential readings and cases in CSR to enable them to recognise key issues raised by stakeholder groups. such as shareholder activism; socially responsible investment; employee discrimination; working conditions; ethical issues in marketing; management; consumer protection; gifts/ bribes; accountability; collaboration with civil society organisations, and corruption of governmental actors. The module will therefore contribute in building an understanding of contemporary social issues in business by highlighting the importance of a collaborative approach with internal and external stakeholder groups.
Indicative topics are:
- Business Ethics
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Sustainability
- Social responsibilities of sectors and industries
- Stakeholders of organisations, including:
Employees
Suppliers
Competitors
Shareholders
Civil society
Government
- Implementation of socially responsible and sustainable programmes and initiatives
Total contact hours: 21
Private study hours: 129
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Individual reflective assignment (2000 words) (40%)
Individual report (3000 words) (60%)
Reassessment method:
100% coursework
Crane, A. and Matten, D. (2016) Business Ethics 4th edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
Crane, A., Matten, D. and Spence, L. J. (2013) Corporate Social Responsibility: Readings and Cases in a Global Context. 2nd edn. Routledge: London.
See the library reading list for this module (Medway)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate systematic understanding of the concept of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, business ethics and their increase significance for organisations.
- Apply key concepts, theories and frameworks related to social responsibility in different contexts.
- Critically assess the suitability and applicability of contemporary business and societal responses to environmental, social and economic challenges for sustainable development.
- Critically understand the key issues that organisations face in the design and implementation of socially responsible programmes.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility in working and studying independently.
- Demonstrate competence in time and project management through independent research that demonstrates transferable skills of independent learning.
- Address problems relating to conflicting interests by developing accountable priorities to address concerns of multiple stakeholders.
- Demonstrate critical reflection in developing a deeper appreciation of social issues and proposed solutions.
- Demonstrate ability to communicate information, ideas and solutions effectively.
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