2014/2015  KAN-CKOMO2001U  Theories and Perspectives

English Title

Theories and Perspectives

Course information
Language	English
Course ECTS	15 ECTS
Type	Mandatory
Level	Full Degree Master
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Spring
Timetable	Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board	Study Board for BSc/MSc in Business Administration and Organizational Communication, MSc
Course coordinator
Dennis Schoeneborn - MSC
Main academic disciplines
Business Ethics, value based management and CSR Communication Management Organization
Last updated on 07-07-2014

Learning objectives

Students in this course (full title: "Corporate Responsibility, Governance, and Communication: Theories and Perspectives") must demonstrate the ability to: Independently identify, develop, and delineate a relevant research question at the thematic intersection of corporate responsibility, governance, and communication Investigate their self-chosen research question by drawing on one or more theoretical perspectives and analytical models from the course Critically reflect the choice of theoretical perspectives and their limitations in a comparative way Develop a coherent argument, a (theoretical and/or empirical) analysis, and a distinct contribution to the given literature in this field Consider the broader societal and practical implications of matters of corporate responsibility, governance, and communication Put their work into clear and accurate academic writing (incl. proper use of relevant terminology, coherent structure of arguments, correct use of references, etc.)

Examination

Theories and Perspectives: Exam ECTS 15 Examination form Home assignment - written product Individual or group exam Individual Size of written product Max. 15 pages Assignment type Written assignment Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time. Grading scale 7-step scale Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner Exam period Summer Term Make-up exam/re-exam Same examination form as the ordinary exam

Course content and structure

This course (full title: "Corporate Responsibility, Governance, and Communication: Theories and Perspectives") is concerned with the challenges that arise for corporations to handle the multifold societal expectations that arise in the era of globalization. In particular, we will shed light on how matters of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are negotiated and institutionalized in the dynamic communicative interplay between corporations, their stakeholders, and the media (incl. social media). The course will feature an introduction of main theoretical approaches to CSR and global governance (e.g., functionalist perspectives, political theory of the firm, critical management studies, institutionalist theory, and communication-centered approaches). These theoretical perspectives will be applied to various issue areas of CSR (e.g., matters of self-governance, CSR standards and ethical guidelines, implementation of CSR practices, communication of CSR activities, or new communication dynamics via social media). Furthermore, we will cross-relate theoretical insights to practice via case-based workshops with leading practitioners from the field of corporate responsibility, governance, and communication. In sum, this course represents a unique offering that closely combines CSR-related research from the fields of business ethics and management with insights from the neighboring field of corporate communication studies.   Students will develop an essay-style seminar thesis over the course of the semester, in which they identify and tackle a relevant gap or puzzle in the given literature on corporate responsibi­l­ity, govern­ance, and communication. As part of the supervision process, the course will feature a two-days workshop in the mid semester in which students will be given the opportunity to present and discuss their work-in-progress seminar theses. More generally, students can bene­­fit from the supervision process as a hands-on training and preparation for their master theses. Furthermore, the course includes practice case studies with leading experts in the field of corporate corporate responsibility, governance, and communication. These case studies provide students with the opportunity to engage in team work, presentations, and in direct interactions with practitioners.

Teaching methods

• Regular lectures and seminar sessions (based on course reading) • (2-days) Workshop (to discuss work-in-progress seminar theses) • Practice case studies and group work