• understand and critically reflect upon cutting edge developments in the theory and practice of corporate sustainability, CSR and ESG
• provide a short and succinct analysis of a chosen and well-delineated topic relating to the course lectures, activities and readings
• show command of course readings (theories, frameworks, concepts) of relevance for the chosen topic
• provide a short text that combines analytical insight and imagination with clarity and precision regarding form and content

The block seminar offers an opportunity for students to engage with cutting edge developments in the theory and practice of corporate sustainability, CSR, and ESG investment (environment, social, governance), including reflections on the implications of the European Green Deal and new regulation targeting investors and businesses.

We cover the most recent developments in the field and argue that companies are increasingly called upon to engage in a broader sustainability agenda with a strong focus on climate change and the environment. To speak of sustainability instead of social responsibility is not just a matter of substituting corporate sustainability or ESG for CSR. It is a matter of gaining a systemic – inclusive and collaborative – view of problems and possible solutions – even when taking the corporate point of view. However, the sustainability debate is not only about climate and the natural environment. The course will also address social issues such as business and human rights.  

This year’s course will feature a special focus on geopolitical turmoil and the post-Omnibus Directive regulatory environment in Europe.

Theoretically, the block seminar covers a broad tapestry of developments in corporate sustainability and sustainable development, CSR (including strategic CSR and the business case), sustainable finance and ESG, business and human rights, and corporate communication.

On the practice side, we will have presentations from leading companies and investors on their current and future sustainability challenges. We will cover the most recent developments in sustainability reporting and materiality assessment. Throughout the seminar, our discussions will be rooted in practical examples and cases.

The block seminar will consist of a mixture of lectures, class discussions, corporate presentations, group work and group presentations.

• Classic and basic theory
• New theory
• Teacher’s own research

• Data collection
• Analysis
• Discussion, critical reflection, modelling

The course lasts for one week only 

Course literature will include (indicative):

Martin, R. L. & Reeves, M. (2022). Strategy in a Hyperpolitical World. Harvard Business Review, Nov.-Dec., 1-7.

Sjåfjell, B. (2018). Redefining the Corporation for a Sustainable New Economy. Journal of Law and Society, 45(1), 29-45.

Bansal, P. et al. (2024). Strategy can no longer ignore planetary boundaries: A call for tackling strategy’s ecological fallacy. Journal of Management Studies, doi:10.1111/joms.13088.

Wagenhofer, A. (2024) Sustainability Reporting: A Financial Reporting Perspective. Accounting in Europe, 21(1), 1-13.

Christensen, L.T., Morsing, M. & Thyssen, O. (2013). CSR as aspirational talk. Organisation, 20(3), 1‐22.

Vallentin, S. & Spence, L. (2017). Strategic CSR: Ambitions and Critiques. Ch. 3 in: Rasche, A., Morsing, M. & Moon, J. (Eds.). Corporate Social Responsibility – Strategy, Communication, Governance (pp. 63-85). St Ives: Cambridge University.

Valente, M. (2017). Corporate Responsibility Strategies for Sustainability. Ch. 4 in: Rasche, A., Morsing, M. & Moon, J. (Eds.). Corporate Social Responsibility – Strategy, Communication, Governance (pp. 86-109). St Ives: Cambridge University.

Eccles, R. & Klimenko, S. (2019). The Investor Revolution – Shareholders are getting serious about sustainability. Harvard Business Review, May-June, 107-116.