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Mary-Hunter McDonnell
In this course, you will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how a company balances ESG issues against its financial performance. You will evaluate the effectiveness of corporate authenticity and the impacts of politics when building corporate ESG policy. You will also learn about social activism’s ability to disrupt markets, and the roles that stakeholders play when dealing with financial markets.
Read more
In this course, you will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how a company balances ESG issues against its financial performance. You will evaluate the effectiveness of corporate authenticity and the impacts of politics when building corporate ESG policy. You will also learn about social activism’s ability to disrupt markets, and the roles that stakeholders play when dealing with financial markets.
Read more
In this course, you will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how a company balances ESG issues against its financial performance. You will evaluate the effectiveness of corporate authenticity and the impacts of politics when building corporate ESG policy. You will also learn about social activism’s ability to disrupt markets, and the roles that stakeholders play when dealing with financial markets.
Next, you will learn about corporate Boards, and the importance of creating independent Directors that can maintain neutrality to protect the interests of both the business and shareholders. You will also learn how Board structure is managed, methods for selecting Board members, and the role that Boards play when crafting ESG policy.
Lastly, you will look at the necessity of creating a diverse and inclusive culture within an organization and will examine best practices for boards to create strong crisis and risk management policies.
By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how social activism affects the corporate world in the 21st century, how to build a Board of Directors that can incorporate ESG issues into risk management and governance strategies, and how encouraging diverse and inclusive culture benefits companies.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/gn71b7/esg
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Syllabus
Module 1 – Social Performance
In this module, you will learn about the role that social performance plays in how a corporation views itself and how it performs in the market. You will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how companies balance ESG issues against its financial performance. You will examine the importance of authenticity, and how a company can face backlash if social performance is viewed as solely driven by profit. Lastly, you will discover the impact of regulation and how corporations use political influence in positive and negative ways. By the end of this module, you will have a firm understanding of the nuance within social performance, how companies respond to stakeholder concerns, and how political corruption is managed.
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Syllabus
Module 1 – Social Performance
In this module, you will learn about the role that social performance plays in how a corporation views itself and how it performs in the market. You will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how companies balance ESG issues against its financial performance. You will examine the importance of authenticity, and how a company can face backlash if social performance is viewed as solely driven by profit. Lastly, you will discover the impact of regulation and how corporations use political influence in positive and negative ways. By the end of this module, you will have a firm understanding of the nuance within social performance, how companies respond to stakeholder concerns, and how political corruption is managed.
Read more
Module 2 – Social Activism and Non-Market Risk
In this module, you will learn about contention within social activism and the role that it plays in driving corporate social reform. You will also learn about the downsides to social movements, and how they can become market disruptors if they create negative media attention for a business. Next, you will examine examples of the harmful effects of activism, and how they can have the opposite influence on a business than what was intended based on the ideological alignment of stakeholders. Lastly, you will consider corporate activism, how CEOs can take on the role of activist, and the ways that they can influence ESG policies by partnering with NGOs. By the end of this module, you will know how to identify risks within social activism in your business, and how to best ally with NGOs as part of an authentic ESG strategy.
Module 3 – Good Governance: Board Composition to Maximize Long-term Value
In this module, you will learn about corporate governance and how that affects risk management and strategy. Next, you will learn how a corporation selects Directors how independence requirements are put into place to protect the interest of shareholders. You will also review best practices to strengthen the independence of the Directors and assess how to increase diversity to gain a more balanced Board of Directors. Lastly, you will discover ways to cultivate an inclusive corporate culture in ways that can improve market performance. By the end of this module, you will be familiar with governance mechanisms and how they work in large and small companies, understand how to select an independent Board of Directors, and finally, identify ways to promote diversity and inclusivity in corporate culture.
Module 4 – Good Governance: Structures and Practices for Prioritizing ESG Performance
In this module, you will learn about the different structures and importance of Boards and review their functions within a business. You will then learn about the succession process within a board and how that can affect shareholders during those periods. Next, you will discover the process for removing a CEO from an organization, the reasons why that would need to occur, and how stakeholders can sometimes prompt that removal. Lastly, you will review executive compensation models, the methods of corporate control that allow a Board to make decisions that determine an organization’s future, and the instrumental role of risk management. By the end of this module, you will have a thorough understanding of Board structure, how to create and implement a succession plan for a new CEO, and how a Board exercises its control over a business.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Suitable for building ESG policies and risk management strategies for Directors
Suitable for learners with an intermediate understanding of corporate policies
Helps learners understand social activism's impact on companies and the role of stakeholders in financial markets
Examines the importance of authenticity in corporate social performance and the role of political influence in shaping ESG policies
Learners will analyze real-world examples of how social movements can disrupt markets and the potential consequences of activism on business
Learners will examine the role of NGOs in shaping corporate ESG policies and the benefits of partnering with NGOs for authentic ESG strategies
Save this course
Save ESG and Social Activism to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in ESG and Social Activism with these
activities:
Complete Practice Exercises on ESG Ratings
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of ESG ratings and their application in financial decision-making.
Show steps
-
Access online resources or textbooks that provide practice exercises.
-
Solve multiple-choice questions, case studies, or simulations related to ESG ratings.
Review ESG Definitions
Show steps
Reintroduce yourself to ESG definitions to get a firm grasp of the terms and concepts used throughout the course.
Browse courses on
ESG
Show steps
-
Reread the syllabus
-
Review the course description
-
Browse online resources
Read 'Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases' by Manuel Velasquez
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts and real-world scenarios of business ethics to lay a solid foundation for the course.
View
Business Ethics
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the nature and importance of business ethics.
-
Complete the case study at the end of Chapter 2 to apply ethical principles to a practical business situation.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Find a Subject-Matter Expert
Show steps
Seek guidance from a professional in the ESG field to gain insights and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
ESG
Show steps
-
Network with professionals
-
Attend industry events
-
Contact ESG experts
Engage in Discussion Forums
Show steps
Expand your perspectives and engage with different viewpoints by participating in discussions with your peers on course-related topics.
Browse courses on
Corporate Social Responsibility
Show steps
-
Review the course discussion forums.
-
Contribute your insights and questions to ongoing discussions.
-
Respond to the perspectives of other learners.
Develop a Social Impact Assessment Plan
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ESG issues by creating a plan that assesses the potential social and environmental impact of a business.
Browse courses on
Social Impact Assessment
Show steps
-
Identify a specific business and its stakeholders.
-
Research and gather data on the business's social and environmental impacts.
-
Develop a framework to analyze and evaluate the impacts.
-
Create a plan to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts.
Create a Blog Post
Show steps
Compose a blog post on ESG trends that affect the corporate world to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter.
Browse courses on
Content Creation
Show steps
-
Research on ESG Trends
-
Outline Blog Structure
-
Write the First Draft
-
Proofread and Edit Blog Post
-
Publish Blog Post
Write a Blog Post on Social Activism and Market Disruption
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the impact of social activism on businesses by analyzing case studies and expressing your insights in a blog post.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
-
Research case studies of social movements that have influenced business practices.
-
Analyze the positive and negative effects of these movements on corporate reputation, revenue, and operations.
-
Write a blog post sharing your findings and recommendations for businesses facing similar activism.
Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of social issues by volunteering with an organization aligned with your interests.
Browse courses on
Corporate Social Responsibility
Show steps
-
Research and identify organizations that focus on areas you're passionate about.
-
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.
Design a Board of Directors Composition Strategy
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of board composition and independence to develop a practical strategy that optimizes board effectiveness and risk mitigation.
Browse courses on
Corporate Governance
Show steps
-
Research best practices for board composition, including diversity and independence requirements.
-
Develop a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of a board of directors.
-
Create a plan to implement a board composition strategy that aligns with the organization's risk tolerance and strategic goals.
Complete Practice Exercises on ESG Ratings
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of ESG ratings and their application in financial decision-making.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Access online resources or textbooks that provide practice exercises.
- Solve multiple-choice questions, case studies, or simulations related to ESG ratings.
Review ESG Definitions
Show steps
Reintroduce yourself to ESG definitions to get a firm grasp of the terms and concepts used throughout the course.
Browse courses on
ESG
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Reread the syllabus
- Review the course description
- Browse online resources
Read 'Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases' by Manuel Velasquez
Show steps
Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts and real-world scenarios of business ethics to lay a solid foundation for the course.
View
Business Ethics
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read Chapters 1-3 to understand the nature and importance of business ethics.
- Complete the case study at the end of Chapter 2 to apply ethical principles to a practical business situation.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Find a Subject-Matter Expert
Show steps
Seek guidance from a professional in the ESG field to gain insights and enhance your understanding of the course material.
Browse courses on
ESG
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Network with professionals
- Attend industry events
- Contact ESG experts
Engage in Discussion Forums
Show steps
Expand your perspectives and engage with different viewpoints by participating in discussions with your peers on course-related topics.
Browse courses on
Corporate Social Responsibility
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course discussion forums.
- Contribute your insights and questions to ongoing discussions.
- Respond to the perspectives of other learners.
Develop a Social Impact Assessment Plan
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of ESG issues by creating a plan that assesses the potential social and environmental impact of a business.
Browse courses on
Social Impact Assessment
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific business and its stakeholders.
- Research and gather data on the business's social and environmental impacts.
- Develop a framework to analyze and evaluate the impacts.
- Create a plan to mitigate negative impacts and enhance positive impacts.
Create a Blog Post
Show steps
Compose a blog post on ESG trends that affect the corporate world to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter.
Browse courses on
Content Creation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research on ESG Trends
- Outline Blog Structure
- Write the First Draft
- Proofread and Edit Blog Post
- Publish Blog Post
Write a Blog Post on Social Activism and Market Disruption
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of the impact of social activism on businesses by analyzing case studies and expressing your insights in a blog post.
Browse courses on
Social Activism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research case studies of social movements that have influenced business practices.
- Analyze the positive and negative effects of these movements on corporate reputation, revenue, and operations.
- Write a blog post sharing your findings and recommendations for businesses facing similar activism.
Volunteer at a Non-Profit Organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and deepen your understanding of social issues by volunteering with an organization aligned with your interests.
Browse courses on
Corporate Social Responsibility
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify organizations that focus on areas you're passionate about.
- Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Commit to a regular volunteering schedule.
Design a Board of Directors Composition Strategy
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of board composition and independence to develop a practical strategy that optimizes board effectiveness and risk mitigation.
Browse courses on
Corporate Governance
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research best practices for board composition, including diversity and independence requirements.
- Develop a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of a board of directors.
- Create a plan to implement a board composition strategy that aligns with the organization's risk tolerance and strategic goals.
Career center
Learners who complete ESG and Social Activism will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
ESG Analyst
ESG Analyst
ESG Analysts help companies measure and report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG ratings, social activism, and corporate governance. This knowledge is essential for ESG Analysts, who must be able to evaluate a company's ESG performance and make recommendations to management on how to improve it. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for ESG Analysts to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of investing in a particular company.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG issues and corporate governance, which are essential for Sustainability Managers to understand in order to develop effective sustainability strategies. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Sustainability Managers to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of implementing a particular sustainability strategy.
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officers are responsible for managing their organization's social responsibility programs. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for CSR Officers to understand in order to develop and implement effective CSR programs. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for CSR Officers to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of implementing a particular CSR program.
Impact Investor
Impact Investor
Impact Investors invest in companies and organizations that are making a positive social or environmental impact. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Impact Investors to understand in order to make informed investment decisions. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Impact Investors to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of investing in a particular company or organization.
ESG Integration Manager
ESG Integration Manager
ESG Integration Managers are responsible for integrating ESG factors into their organization's investment process. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for ESG Integration Managers to understand in order to develop and implement effective ESG investment strategies. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for ESG Integration Managers to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of investing in a particular company or organization.
Philanthropy Advisor
Philanthropy Advisor
Philanthropy Advisors help individuals and organizations make informed decisions about their charitable giving. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Philanthropy Advisors to understand in order to assess the potential social and environmental impact of different charitable organizations. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Philanthropy Advisors to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of donating to a particular organization.
Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit Executive Directors are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Nonprofit Executive Directors to understand in order to develop and implement effective strategies for their organizations. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Nonprofit Executive Directors to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of partnering with a particular corporation.
Corporate Governance Specialist
Corporate Governance Specialist
Corporate Governance Specialists advise companies on how to improve their corporate governance practices. This course provides a comprehensive overview of corporate governance, which is essential for Corporate Governance Specialists to understand in order to develop and implement effective corporate governance strategies for their clients. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Corporate Governance Specialists to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of advising a particular company on its corporate governance practices.
Risk Manager
Risk Manager
Risk Managers are responsible for identifying and managing risks for their organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Risk Managers to understand in order to identify and manage the risks associated with ESG factors. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Risk Managers to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of taking a particular action.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers are responsible for ensuring that their organizations comply with all applicable laws and regulations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of corporate governance, which is essential for Compliance Officers to understand in order to ensure that their organizations are complying with all applicable laws and regulations. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Compliance Officers to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of taking a particular action.
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analyst
Public Policy Analysts analyze public policy issues and make recommendations to policymakers. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Public Policy Analysts to understand in order to analyze public policy issues and make informed recommendations to policymakers. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Public Policy Analysts to understand in order to assess the potential risks and rewards of taking a particular policy action.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists report on news and current events. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Journalists to understand in order to report on these issues accurately and fairly. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Journalists to understand in order to assess the potential impact of social activism on the news and current events they report on.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. This course provides a comprehensive overview of corporate governance, which is essential for Lawyers to understand in order to advise their clients on corporate governance matters. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Lawyers to understand in order to assess the potential legal risks and rewards of taking a particular action.
Academic
Academic
Academics teach and research at colleges and universities. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Academics to understand in order to teach and research these issues effectively. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Academics to understand in order to assess the potential impact of social activism on the research and teaching they do.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants advise clients on a variety of business issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues, social activism, and corporate governance, which are essential for Consultants to understand in order to advise their clients on these issues effectively. The course also covers the role that social activism plays in driving corporate social reform, which is important for Consultants to understand in order to assess the potential impact of social activism on the businesses they advise.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gn71b7/esg
Reading list
We've selected eight books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
ESG and Social Activism.
This guide provides practical advice on how to create and maintain an effective board of directors.
Save
Seminal work on stakeholder theory, which argues that businesses should be responsive to the needs of all their stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
Save
This guide provides practical advice on how CEOs can improve the governance of their companies.
Save
Looks at the future of corporate governance and makes recommendations for how to improve the governance of corporations.
Save
Challenges the traditional view of the corporation as a profit-maximizing entity and argues that businesses should also be focused on social and environmental goals.
Examines the role of the board of directors in corporate governance and makes recommendations for how to improve board performance.
Argues that corporations are moral agents and have a responsibility to act in a socially responsible manner.
Provides a critical analysis of the modern corporation and its role in society.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/gn71b7/esg
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Mary-Hunter McDonnell
Language
English
Transcripts
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This course belongs to a
collection
called
The Materiality of ESG Factors. It's comprised of four courses:
- ESG and Social Activism (viewing)
- ESG Risks and Opportunities
- ESG Impact: Investor Perspective
- ESG and Climate Change
Good to know
Suitable for building ESG policies and risk management strategies for Directors
Suitable for learners with an intermediate understanding of corporate policies
Helps learners understand social activism's impact on companies and the role of stakeholders in financial markets
Examines the importance of authenticity in corporate social performance and the role of political influence in shaping ESG policies
Learners will analyze real-world examples of how social movements can disrupt markets and the potential consequences of activism on business
Learners will examine the role of NGOs in shaping corporate ESG policies and the benefits of partnering with NGOs for authentic ESG strategies
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