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R. Edward Freeman

In this course, developed at the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and taught by top-ranked faculty, we will be discussing the emergence of a new story about business. This new story locates business within a societal framework. Almost every business creates or destroys value for customers, suppliers, employees, communities and society, in addition to shareholders and other financiers. A number of new models of business can be built on this idea such as corporate responsibility, philanthropy, shared value and sustainability. Profits and stakeholder value go together, and this course explains how. The final session explores the idea of how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur and create a business that makes money and makes the world a better place.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Business in Society: The Problem
We will begin the course learning the dominant story of business and discussing the four flaws in the dominant story. We will learn about the global financial crisis and how a new story is now emerging.
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Corporate Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility
In our second module, we discuss both the histories and current issues surrounding corporate philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and the environmental crisis.
Creating Value for Stakeholders
In our third module, we look at the stakeholder approach to business, it's purpose and what it looks like to create value for stakeholders.
Becoming a Stakeholder Entrepreneur
We close the course by learning how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur by discussing specific examples. This module concludes with an opportunity for what your next steps might be as a stakeholder entrepreneur.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Taught by R. Edward Freeman, who is highly recognized for their work in stakeholder theory
Specifically discusses the emergence of a new story about business and its societal framework
Explores corporate responsibility, philanthropy, shared value, and sustainability as models of business
Focuses on how profits and stakeholder value can be mutually beneficial
Provides practical examples of how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur
Requires learners to have a foundational understanding of business and economics

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Reviews summary

Interesting perspectives on societal business

Learners say this course offers new perspectives on business and society through interviews with sustainable business leaders. The engaging professor presents interesting material on new approaches to dealing with stakeholders. Students found the content to be informative and thought-provoking, although some felt it was more like a long TED Talk than a course. Overall, learners found the course enjoyable and beneficial for those looking to think differently about business.
Teaches new ways to approach stakeholder management.
"interesting material around new approaches to dealing with stakeholders"
Focuses on the intersection of business and social responsibility.
"Focusses on business and philanthropy... conscious capitalism"
"helped me think differently and question many of my previous beliefs"
Content challenges traditional business models and encourages critical thinking.
"Very hard to practice though"
"helped me think differently and question many of my previous beliefs"
Features interviews with sustainable business leaders.
"interviews were a great motivation"
"Some more lectures with more interviews from the sustainable business leaders would be a great addition to the course"
Engaging professor with in-depth knowledge.
"Gave me some new interestingnew perspectives on business... Engaging professor"
"Great food for thought with a very engaging prof"
Feels more like a long TED Talk than a traditional course.
"I would say it's more of a long TED Talk than a course"

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 New Models of Business in Society with these activities:
Review Key Concepts in Business Ethics
Revisit fundamental concepts in business ethics to enhance your understanding of the ethical implications of stakeholder management.
Browse courses on Business Ethics
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks on business ethics.
  • Complete online quizzes or practice exercises on business ethics.
  • Discuss ethical dilemmas related to stakeholder management with peers or a mentor.
Stakeholder Analysis Tutorial
This tutorial will introduce you to the techniques of stakeholder analysis, which are fundamental to corporate social responsibility and the effective management of organizations.
Browse courses on Stakeholder Analysis
Show steps
  • Complete the online tutorial on stakeholder analysis.
  • Apply the techniques learned in the tutorial to a real-world scenario.
Review of Freeman's Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art
This book covers the latest thinking on stakeholder theory. By completing this activity, you will gain insights into the theoretical underpinnings of the course content.
View Stakeholder Theory on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book thoroughly.
  • Summarize the main arguments of the book.
  • Create a concept map of the key ideas in the book.
Three other activities
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Show all six activities
Attend a Workshop on Corporate Social Responsibility
Attend a workshop or conference focused on corporate social responsibility to gain practical insights on implementing stakeholder strategies.
Show steps
  • Identify and register for a relevant workshop or conference.
  • Attend the workshop or conference.
  • Network with other attendees and speakers.
Draft and Revise Informational Paper on Value Chain Analysis
Create a paper discussing the relationship between stakeholder value and profits.
Browse courses on Value Chain Analysis
Show steps
  • Research and analyze the concept of value chain analysis.
  • Identify and analyze the key stakeholders involved in a business.
  • Draft a paper outlining the relationship between stakeholder value and profits.
  • Revise and edit the paper for clarity and conciseness.
  • Submit the final paper for review.
Develop a Business Plan for a Social Enterprise
Put your understanding of stakeholder theory into practice by developing a business plan for a social enterprise that addresses a societal problem.
Browse courses on Social Entrepreneurship
Show steps
  • Identify a societal problem that you are passionate about.
  • Research and develop a business model for a social enterprise that addresses the problem.
  • Identify and analyze the key stakeholders involved in the enterprise.
  • Create a business plan that outlines the enterprise's mission, goals, and strategies.
  • Present your business plan to a panel of experts.

Career center

Learners who complete New Models of Business in Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Chief Sustainability Officer
Chief Sustainability Officers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies. New Models of Business in Society offers a strong foundation in these principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this emerging field.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a comprehensive overview of CSR, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help businesses develop and implement sustainability strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in sustainability principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this growing field.
Environmental Manager
Environmental Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's environmental management strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in environmental management principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Social Entrepreneur
Social Entrepreneurs develop and implement business models that address social problems. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in social entrepreneurship principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this rewarding field.
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in nonprofit management principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Philanthropy Manager
Philanthropy Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's philanthropy strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a comprehensive overview of philanthropy, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Corporate Affairs Manager
Corporate Affairs Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's corporate affairs strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in corporate affairs principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Government Relations Manager
Government Relations Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's government relations strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in government relations principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Public relations manager
Public Relations Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's public relations strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in public relations principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's marketing strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in marketing principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Sales Manager
Sales Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's sales strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in sales principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's operations strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in operations management principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's human resources strategies. New Models of Business in Society provides a strong foundation in human resources management principles, as well as the skills needed to create value for stakeholders beyond just shareholders. This course can help you develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this important role.
Information Technology Manager
Information Technology Managers are responsible for developing and implementing their employer's information technology strategies. New Models of Business in Society may not be a perfect fit for this role, but a strong understanding of how business and society interact can be helpful for any manager.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 New Models of Business in Society.
Explores the concept of shared value and how it can be used to create value for both businesses and society.
Argues that the purpose of the corporation is to create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Provides a comprehensive guide to corporate sustainability and responsibility.
Introduces the concept of the triple bottom line and how it can be used to measure the performance of businesses.
Provides an overview of the green economy and its potential to create jobs and economic growth.
Provides a guide to sustainability for businesses of all sizes.
Provides a guide to ethical decision-making for businesses of all sizes.

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