• Identify and evaluate different theories of CSR
• Account for the development of CSR with reference to institutional and organization theory
• Assess different actor perspectives on CSR
• Critically reflect on how organizations address tensions in motivations for CSR and between these and wider business objectives
• Be able to integrate their knowledge of organizations and CSR, ethical theory, institutional theory and business strategy in particular organizations and society contexts

This course focuses on organizations and society, through the lens of corporate social responsibility (CSR). 

Topics 1 – 4 deal with the framing of CSR, opening with an introduction to the concept of CSR and some core criticisms (topic 1).  This is followed by an investigation of the roles of society and government in the framing of CSR (topic 2).  Topic 3 examines the institutional foundations of CSR, focusing both on the continuities of national business systems as well as the dynamics of contemporary change.  Topic 4 considers strategic approaches to CSR, focusing particularly on the concept of ‘Shared Value’.

Topics 5 – 6 focus on the new institutions of CSR, particularly new forms of organization (MSIs, standards, partnerships) and new practices (transparency and reporting).

Topics 7 – 9 address specific CSR issues and in each case, we examine issues of ethics, institutions and strategy, in the context of business-society-government relations.  The topics are labour rights (topic 7 led by Erin Leitheiser

Topic 10 brings a case study from Novo Nordisk (details to follow).

We wrap the course up in Topic 11 with consideration of the significance for business, society and government of the political roles of corporations in CSR.

The course assignment will enable students to investigate CSR in the context of their chosen organization, particularly to identify the roles and interactions of ethics, institutions and strategy, and their implications for the relationships of business with government and society.

Please see 'Business of Society' blog for a lively commentary on issues addressed in this course.

http://www.bos-cbscsr.dk/ 

This list is indicative and a final reading list will be published in early 2017.

Preliminary reading

Moon, J (2014) Corporate Social Responsibility: A Very Short Introduction Oxford University Press

Recommended text

Rasche, A, Morsing, M and Moon, J (2017) Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategy, Communications, Governance Cambridge University Press

(especially chapters 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18)

Journal articles

Friedman, M (1970) ‘The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits’ New York Times Magazine (13 September 1970)   

Garriga, E and Melé, D. (2004) ‘Corporate social responsibility theories: Mapping the territory’ Journal of Business Ethics 53: 51 - 71

Knudsen, JS, J Moon and R Slager (2015) ‘Government Policies for Corporate Social

Responsibility in Europe: Institutionalisation and Structured Convergence?’ Policy and Politics 43: 1 81 – 99

Maignon, I and D Ralston (2002) ‘CSR in Europe and the US: Insights from business self-presentations Journal of International Business 33 (3)

Matten, D. & J. Moon (2008) “Implicit” and “Explicit” CSR: A conceptual framework for a comparative understanding of corporate social responsibility.  Academy of Management Review.  33(2): 404-424.

Porter, M. and M. Kramer (2011) ‘Creating Shared Value’  Harvard Business Review Jan  - Feb 2011

Rasche, A., F. G. A. de Bakker and J. Moon. 2013. ’Complete and Partial Organizing for Corporate Social Responsibility’ Journal of Business Ethics, 115: 651-663

Scherer, A and Palazzo, G (2011) ‘The New Political Role of Business in a globalized World: A Review of a New Perspective on CSR and its Implications for the Firm, Governance, and Democracy’ Journal of Management Studies 48:4

Whelan, G. (2017) ‘Political CSR: The corporation as a political actor’ in Rasche, A., M Morsing and J Moon eds (2017) Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategy, Communication and Governance Cambridge University Press