Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility

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Type:

Course

Date:

20 Feb - 20 Jun 2012

Duration of event:

2.5 days

Location:

web-based

Programme area:

Governance, Corporate Social Responsibility

Fee:

USD 400

Deadline for registration: 15 June 2012

Background

In today's economic and social environment, issues related to social responsibility and sustainability are gaining more and more importance, especially in the business sector. Business goals are inseparable from the societies and environments within which they operate. Whilst short-term economic gain can be pursued, the failure to account for longer-term social and environmental impacts makes those business practices unsustainable.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be understood as a management concept and a process that integrates social and environmental concerns in business operations and a company’s interactions with the full range of its stakeholders.

The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, support and enact, within their sphere of influence, a set of core values in the areas of human rights, labor standards, the environment and anti-corruption.

Event Objectives

We felt the need for this self-paced course because there are so many definitions of CSR buzzing around that we thought it would be useful to provide a guide to them and, also, to suggest a definition we think most appropriate. Hence, this self-paced course aims to provide an introduction to CSR following standardized definitions.

The learning materials and tools available through the courses allow participants acquire relevant knowledge and skills that will help them and their organizations address those issues through a UN perspective and from there promote and accelerate adherence to the UN Global Compact principles and progress on the Millennium Development Goals. The UN and its work on CSR are therefore highlighted showing how the UN Global Compact fits into the CSR approach, as well as the role UN agencies such as ILO and UNIDO have played.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants are expected to be able to find out what CSR is all about; to explain alternative definitions of CSR and their strengths and limitations; to understand why there is a need for CSR; and to see how the concept has been applied in practical situations.

Content and Structure

The course includes the following elements:

Introduction, history of CSR, glossary and definitions and recommended readings
CSR Definitions and comments on these definitions
Why CSR and where is CSR today?
The United Nations treatment of CSR including EU
CSR videos
Should CSR be compulsory?
ISO 26000
Is CSR philanthropy?
Pactical examples of CSR (Cadbury, NEC, Wal-Mart, Novo Nordisk)
Tell us your opinion
End of course ten question quiz

Methodology

The course requires approximately a 20-hour time investment over a period of two weeks and invites participants to read a number of articles, to watch videos, to reflect on their social and economic environment, and to go through case studies analysis that are provided throughout the course.

By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the need for CSR and be able to explain alternative definitions, their strengths and limitations.

There is an end-of-course quiz intended to help participants self-assess their level of comprehension. A requirement is to get at least 80% of the questions within two tries at which point, should the participant pass, he/she will automatically be awarded a certificate of completion.

Targeted Audience

The course aims to address the needs of professionals in private companies, NGOs, International Organisations and Governments who are currently involved in CSR, or would like to be involved in CSR, and wish to apply and embed the concept of CSR in their institution.

Additional Information

"I really like it and I think there is a real need for such a course. Excellent layout and content, and the right balance between theory and practice. Congratulations! Dr. Thomas Osburg. Head, Corporate Responsibility, Intel, Europe.

"I find it very informative and efficient in terms of return on effort. The introductory video is very good. It sets the tone of the course almost like in a "face-to-face" environment. I like the way to travel through the course, forwards and backwards. It is convenient. The idea of the forum is excellent as it promotes participation. Congratulations for the excellent course. I wish you plenty of the success with it." Marc. Former Director, International Schools Geneva.

I like your online course, I think it is a good introduction to CSR and it is quite practical to navigate through. I like the fact that you have a quiz at the end. Rania, UNICEF.