AC6053 - Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics (2017/18)
| Module specification | Module approved to run in 2017/18 | ||||||||||||
| Module title | Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics | ||||||||||||
| Module level | Honours (06) | ||||||||||||
| Credit rating for module | 15 | ||||||||||||
| School | Guildhall School of Business and Law | ||||||||||||
| Total study hours | 150 | ||||||||||||
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| Assessment components |
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| Running in 2017/18(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change) |
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Module summary
The module will explore the development of corporate social responsibility in response to corporate misuse of assets and anti-social behaviour. The extent to which financial information and media interest can affect the outcome of companies is of global interest. The world may wish for an egalitarian society in which all information is freely available, but in reality company directors have to balance the information given with the impact it may have on the company’s future. Are the ethics of the boardroom or the trading floor so dissimilar from those of the high street? What difference has the dissemination of social and environmental reports had on the performance of companies and/or their ability to raise finance?
Prior learning requirements
None
Module aims
The module aims to:
- provide students with a broad understanding of the roles of company directors, investors, the media and consumers to allow socially responsible companies to flourish.
- provide students with an understanding of the issues surrounding corporate social responsibility and ethics from national and international perspectives.
The module also aims to develop students’ skills, in particular:
- academic writing skills, including research and analytical skills;
- interpersonal skills, including working with others;
- communication skills, including presentation of data;
- commercial awareness.
Syllabus
The relationship between corporate social responsibility, ethics and corporate governance.
The extent to which the expectations of society are met by company reports, in terms of content and assurance.
An examination of the geographical, cultural and historical factors that influence corporate social responsibility.
The differences and similarities between multi-national companies and small and medium sized enterprises for corporate social responsibility issues.
An examination of corporate social responsibility and ethics in practice via case studies.
Learning and teaching
Teaching will consist of a one and half hour lecture to introduce the topic and a one and half hour workshop where students can examine and discuss issues relating to real life examples of company reports showing the extent of corporate social responsibility and ethics. Students will also work in groups to prepare for the assessed group report (case study).
Weblearn will be used to enable student discussion and to provide additional module materials.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of sustainable responsible business to the well being of society
2. Understand the roles of directors, investors and other stakeholders to the transparency and growth of company reporting practices.
3. Understand the issues which inform company reporting and their impact on society.
Assessment strategy
Group report (case study),(30%) week 23, to give practice in team working and to assess learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3
Individual essay (70%), week 30 to assess learning outcomes 1, 2 and 3
Bibliography
Guler, A and Crowther, D (editors); A Handbook of Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility, Gower
Crane, A, Matten, D and Spence, L (editors); Corporate Social Responsibility – Readings and Cases in a Global Context; Routledge
Financial newspapers and journals
Internet sources for Social Responsibility and Business Ethics journals