The 360º Corporation: Tools for Achieving Corporate Purpose from Coursera

If you’ve heard the terms stakeholder capitalism, or sustainability, or ESG, corporate social responsibility, CSR, conscious capitalism, sustainable development goals, shared value, corporate citizenship, or purpose-driven company but don’t know exactly what they mean—or don’t know how to make these ideas come to life—then this course is for you.

Every business model and every operating decision has stakeholder trade-offs embedded in it. Profits to the bottom line are not always compatible with the interests of the stakeholders that surround the corporation.

Based on Professor Sarah Kaplan’s award-winning course at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and her book "The 360º Corporation: From Stakeholder Trade-offs to Transformation," this course is designed to help you analyze these trade-offs (Mode 1) and learn how to address them either by rethinking them (Mode 2), innovating around them (Mode 3), or thriving within them (Mode 4). The 360° Corporation is an organization that can productively and effectively manage trade-offs.

By taking this course, you will be joining a community of executives around the world who are looking to transform their organizations to meet the needs of the 21st century. The COVID-19 pandemic has gotten us all to rethink our careers and focus on how to make our work as meaningful and rewarding as possible. This course will aid you on that journey by helping you connect social responsibility to your own decisions. And, it will help you reexamine the role of business in society.

This is not just a course for people with “social responsibility” in their job title. While it will be useful for anyone whose role is to spread sustainability, gender and racial equity, social responsibility and other stakeholder strategies throughout their organizations, the course is equally important for every executive and line manager because everything you do matters for the social and environmental impact of your products, services and organizations. We’ll also discuss the impact on corporate governance and the roles of corporate directors and institutional investors in leading change.

This course offers signposts to leaders who want to spearhead the 360° Revolution. With detailed case studies, useful frameworks and handy action steps, the course will show you that companies can develop explicit and coherent plans for addressing the tensions created by stakeholder trade-offs and pursue corporate purpose. Enroll today to become a 360º Leader!

[This course was developed with support from the University of Toronto and from the Michael Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship at the Rotman School of Management.]

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to The 360º Corporation

This week, you’ll learn about what stakeholder capitalism is and why the shift from shareholder capitalism is taking place. You’ll explore the different terms—CSR, ESG, corporate purpose, sustainability, social impact, etc.—and understand how they relate to each other in considering the role of business in society. You’ll develop an understanding about why action is urgent and why traditional excuses for slow action may no longer be supportable. You will also see why achieving social responsibility and purpose is challenging. Finally, you’ll get introduced to the 4 modes of action of the 360º Corporation and see how they can be practical solutions to the social and environmental challenges facing companies today.

Stakeholder Trade-offs (Mode 1) and Shared Value (Mode 2)

This week, you’ll learn about stakeholder trade-offs—what they are and how you can identify them. You will develop analytical tools for seeing how every business model has trade-offs embedded in it. Understanding trade-offs is the starting point for making progress, and we call this Mode 1 action. Without knowing what the trade-offs are, it is hard to make progress. Next, you’ll learn about the most popular way of addressing trade-offs which is in creating “shared value” or win-wins (Mode 2 action). By creating a business case for action, you can rethink trade-offs to find solutions that are both good for the bottom line and good for society. You’ll see how the concept of shared value can be inspirational for leaders, but also how it may stymie more innovative solutions. You will see how the business case can sometimes backfire or allow for only incremental progress.

Innovating Around Trade-offs (Mode 3) and Thriving Within Trade-offs (Mode 4)

This week, we’ll explore how innovation and experimentation can address tougher trade-offs. The way to move beyond the business case is to think about stakeholder trade-offs as opportunities and inspirations for innovative solutions (Mode 3 action). You’ll explore case examples of how companies are creating transformational innovation to solve pressing challenges. You’ll also learn about how experimentation may be a way forward when solutions aren’t immediately obvious (Mode 4 action). Finally, you’ll discover 4 kinds of mistakes that companies make when trying to pursue CSR.

Leading the 360º Revolution: the governance and leadership agenda

This week, we’ll turn your focus to the role of corporate governance and leadership in creating a 360º Revolution. You’ll learn about emerging trends in investor stewardship that are creating new pressures on boards of directors and CEOs. You will also explore guidelines for reforming corporate governance to match the challenges of the 21st century. Then, you’ll turn to an exploration of your own role as a leader. This course is based in the idea that you can lead from any chair, from front-line worker or supervisor to the CEO and board of directors. You will focus on the courage you will need to lead, and you will develop a “to do” list of actions you can take.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops understanding of stakeholder trade-offs, aiding executives in addressing social and environmental challenges

Provides practical solutions and action steps to create inclusive and sustainable organizations

Applicable to all executives and line managers, regardless of their experience

In-depth case studies provide real-world examples of innovative solutions to sustainability issues

Led by Sarah Kaplan, an award-winning professor and author with expertise in corporate social responsibility

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 The 360º Corporation: Tools for Achieving Corporate Purpose with these activities:

Refresh knowledge of financial fundamentals

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This course assumes a basic understanding of financial fundamentals, so reviewing these concepts will give you a stronger foundation.

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Review the basics of financial accounting.
Brush up on financial ratios and their interpretation.
Refresh your understanding of financial statement analysis.

Read 'The 360º Corporation'

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This book will provide you with a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course and help you apply them to your own work.

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Read the book's introduction and first chapter.
Read the book's second and third chapters.
Read the book's fourth and fifth chapters.
Finish reading the book.

Develop a stakeholder map

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This project will help you identify and understand the stakeholders in your organization and their interests.

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Identify the key stakeholders in your organization.
Analyze their interests and how they align with the organization's goals.
Develop a visual representation of the stakeholder map.

Eight other activities

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Practice identifying stakeholder trade-offs

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These exercises will help you develop your ability to identify and analyze stakeholder trade-offs.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Analysis

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Read the case study and identify the key stakeholders.
Analyze the interests of each stakeholder.
Identify the potential trade-offs between the stakeholders.

Watch a tutorial on stakeholder engagement

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This tutorial will provide you with a step-by-step guide to engaging stakeholders in your organization.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Watch the tutorial.
Take notes on the key steps involved in stakeholder engagement.
Identify opportunities to apply the steps to your own work.

Explore online courses or tutorials on stakeholder engagement

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This course covers stakeholder engagement as a key aspect of stakeholder capitalism. Supplemental tutorials or courses can provide additional insights and practical guidance.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Identify reputable online platforms or institutions that offer courses or tutorials on stakeholder engagement.
Select a course or tutorial that aligns with your learning goals.
Follow the tutorials and complete any assignments or exercises.

Write a blog post about stakeholder capitalism

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This assignment will allow you to synthesize your understanding of stakeholder capitalism and communicate it to others.

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Research stakeholder capitalism and its implications for businesses.
Develop an outline for your blog post.
Write the first draft of your blog post.
Revise and edit your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Develop a business case for a sustainability initiative

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This project will help you develop the skills needed to make the case for sustainability initiatives within your organization.

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Identify a sustainability initiative that you would like to implement.
Research the benefits of the initiative and how it aligns with the organization's goals.
Develop a financial model to justify the investment in the initiative.
Write a business case for the initiative.
Present your business case to stakeholders.

Attend a conference on sustainability

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This event will allow you to connect with other professionals in the field of sustainability and learn about the latest trends.

Browse courses on Sustainability

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Research sustainability conferences and identify one that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the conference and make travel arrangements.
Attend the conference and participate in the sessions.
Follow up with the people you meet at the conference.

Attend a workshop on CSR reporting

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This workshop will provide you with the skills needed to prepare CSR reports for your organization.

Browse courses on CSR Reporting

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Research CSR reporting workshops and identify one that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the workshop and make travel arrangements.
Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.
Follow up with the people you meet at the workshop.

Develop a case study of a sustainable business

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By creating a case study, you will apply the concepts of stakeholder capitalism and sustainability to a real-world business scenario, deepening your understanding.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Engagement

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Select a company that exemplifies sustainable practices.
Research the company's sustainability initiatives and stakeholder engagement strategies.
Analyze the company's ESG reporting and performance.
Develop a case study highlighting the company's successes and challenges related to sustainability.

Career center

Learners who complete The 360º Corporation: Tools for Achieving Corporate Purpose will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts evaluate the environmental, social, and governance performance of companies and make recommendations for improvements. They use their knowledge of ESG issues to help companies develop and implement sustainable strategies. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key concepts and frameworks used in ESG investing.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

ESG Reporting Specialist

ESG Reporting Specialists prepare and disclose ESG reports for companies. They work with companies to collect and analyze data on their environmental, social, and governance performance. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key requirements and frameworks for ESG reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Reporting Specialist

Corporate Governance Advisor

Corporate Governance Advisors help companies to improve their corporate governance practices. They work with companies to assess their corporate governance structures and processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop plans to implement changes. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles and frameworks used in corporate governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Governance Advisor

Corporate Governance Specialist

Corporate Governance Specialists help to ensure that companies are managed in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner. They develop and implement policies and procedures that promote good corporate governance practices. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles of corporate governance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Governance Specialist

ESG Investment Analyst

ESG Investment Analysts evaluate the ESG performance of companies and make recommendations for investments. They use their knowledge of ESG issues to help investors make informed decisions about which companies to invest in. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key concepts and frameworks used in ESG investing.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Investment Analyst

Director of Sustainability

Directors of Sustainability are responsible for leading the sustainability efforts of companies. They work with companies to develop and implement sustainability strategies, manage sustainability risks, and improve sustainability performance. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key principles and frameworks used in sustainability management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Director of Sustainability

Corporate Philanthropy Manager

Corporate Philanthropy Managers develop and implement corporate giving programs that support charitable causes. They work with companies to identify and partner with non-profit organizations that align with their business goals and values. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and frameworks used in corporate philanthropy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Philanthropy Manager

Sustainability Policy Advisor

Sustainability Policy Advisors develop and implement sustainability policies for governments and organizations. They work with policymakers to identify and address sustainability challenges and develop policies that promote sustainable development. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key principles and frameworks used in sustainability policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Policy Advisor

Vice President of Sustainability

Vice Presidents of Sustainability are responsible for leading the sustainability efforts of companies. They work with companies to develop and implement sustainability strategies, manage sustainability risks, and improve sustainability performance. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key principles and frameworks used in sustainability management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Vice President of Sustainability

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help companies to develop and implement sustainable strategies. They work with companies to assess their environmental and social performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and develop plans to achieve their sustainability goals. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and frameworks used in sustainability consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Chief Impact Officer

Chief Impact Officers are responsible for leading the social and environmental impact efforts of companies. They work with companies to develop and implement social and environmental impact strategies, measure and evaluate impact performance, and report on impact results. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key principles and frameworks used in social and environmental impact management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Impact Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility Officers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies for companies. They work with companies to identify and address social and environmental issues and develop programs that promote sustainable development. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and frameworks used in corporate social responsibility.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers help to integrate social and environmental concerns into the business practices of companies. They develop and implement policies and procedures that promote sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts and frameworks used in corporate social responsibility.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts evaluate the environmental and social performance of companies and make recommendations for improvements. They use their knowledge of sustainability issues to help companies develop and implement sustainable strategies. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing companies in the area of sustainability.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief Sustainability Officers are responsible for leading the sustainability efforts of companies. They work with companies to develop and implement sustainability strategies, manage sustainability risks, and improve sustainability performance. This course may be useful for those who wish to enter this field as it provides a deep understanding of the key principles and frameworks used in sustainability management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer