Discovering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from edX

Driven by global crises in financial, economic, and governance systems, companies all over the world devote massive resources to their corporate social responsibility (CSR). But what is CSR? What does it mean, and what does it involve? Do stakeholders really care, and if they do, how to implement a credible CSR strategy? In uncertain modern climates, CSR is a crucial driving force of a (r)evolution in business. If you are interested in the relationship between business and society, this MOOC is for you! It is especially relevant for industry, public policy, and academic professionals working on CSR, as well as students following a traditional business curriculum who are interested in key value questions.

This MOOC therefore addresses CSR in two ways:

As a reflection of corporate self-awareness;
As a source of innovation and a means to deal with heightened competitiveness, demands for sustainable development, and shifts in international governance.

By presenting insights from CSR experts from both academia and practice, this MOOC provides a way for managers, consumers, and citizens to acquire in-depth insights and critical perspectives on companies’ CSR activities. The multi-industry case study structure of this MOOC enables participants to confront the challenges facing today’s managers as they seek to develop their CSR strategy. Dedicated discussion forums are available for participants to interact together.

To help participants manage CSR with various internal and external stakeholders, this MOOC seeks to support current and future business leaders in their efforts to make responsible leadership, sustainable production, and consumption central to their corporate vision.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Understand the multidimensional nature and content of corporate social responsibility.
Adopt a critical perspective on managerial practices related to societal issues.
Stimulate and manage impactful changes in organizations, toward more responsible postures.

Reconcile multiple stakeholders’ interests (and understand the importance of doing so), into a clear, persuasive, smart action plan.
At the end of this course, you will be able to

Understand the multidimensional nature and content of corporate social responsibility.
Adopt a critical perspective on managerial practices related to societal issues.
Stimulate and manage impactful changes in organizations, toward more responsible postures.
Reconcile multiple stakeholders’ interests (and understand the importance of doing so), into a clear, persuasive, smart action plan.
At the end of this course, you will be able to

Syllabus

Defining the concept and key issues of CSR

Purpose of a company and stakeholders

CSR and the sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Implementing CSR

Available tools and guides

Success factors and obstacles

Dialogue with stakeholders

Motivations and potential benefits for companies

Developing CSR in SMEs

Specificities of small and medium enterprises (SME) with respect to CSR strategy

Becoming a responsible leader

Skills and competences of a responsible leader

Roles of a CSR manager

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge that are necessary for work in industry

Explores CSR as a means to deal with heightened competitiveness, demands for sustainable development, and shifts in international governance

Teaches CSR as a source of innovation

Presents insights from CSR experts from both academia and practice

Provides a way for managers, consumers, and citizens to acquire in-depth insights and critical perspectives on companies’ CSR activities

Supports current and future business leaders in their efforts to make responsible leadership, sustainable production, and consumption central to their corporate vision

Reviews summary

Csr course: practical insight

Learners say this well-organized course featuring helpful instructors is a great foundational introduction to CSR. Most students remark that the course exceeded expectations and opened eyes to the field. Real-world examples provided through interviews illustrate concepts clearly.

Instructors are very helpful.

"great course, and helpful instructors"

"Thank you for teaching us the basics of CSR with concrete examples."

Course provides a great overview of CSR basics.

"This was my first MOOC and definitely exceeded my expectations."

"I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in the topic (which should really be everyone!)."

Course content applicable to real-world scenarios.

"What I discovered in this course opened my eyes."

"There are many online courses about carbon emissions, materiality assessments… Nevertheless, very few programs address how to develop an effective CSR program from scratch."

"Definitely a must-do for any professional wanting to work in the sustainability field."

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 Discovering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with these activities:

Explore CSR Tools and Resources

Show steps

Gain knowledge of industry tools and platforms to support CSR initiatives and stay updated on best practices.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Identify relevant CSR tools and resources through research.
Sign up for free trials or demos to explore their functionalities.
Attend webinars or workshops to learn how to use the tools effectively.

Review Carroll & Buchholtz, 'Business and Society: Ethics and Stakeholder Management'

Show steps

Review the essential concepts covered in the text to set a strong foundation for the course material.

View Business & Society: Ethics, Sustainability &... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters assigned for each class.
Take notes or annotations while reading.
Engage in critical thinking to reflect on how the concepts apply to real-world scenarios.
Identify key points and write down questions for further clarification.
Discuss the material with classmates or in online forums.

Create a CSR Digital Library

Show steps

Organize and curate a collection of resources to support the learning process and future reference.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Gather materials from class sessions, readings, and external sources.
Categorize and organize the materials into a digital folder or platform.
Add notes and annotations for future reference.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read 'Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose' by Raj Sisodia

Show steps

Understand the importance of purpose and passion in driving business success, aligning with the course theme.

View Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the chapters in sequence.
Take notes or annotations while reading to grasp key concepts.
Identify case studies and examples to illustrate the principles discussed.

Participate in CSR Discussion Forums

Show steps

Engage with peers to share insights and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of CSR issues.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Join online or in-person discussion forums.
Actively participate by asking questions and sharing experiences.
Respect diverse viewpoints and engage in constructive discussions.

Evaluate CSR Case Studies

Show steps

Analyze real-life examples to develop critical thinking skills and apply theoretical knowledge.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Select a CSR case study from a reputable source.
Read the case study carefully and identify the key stakeholders, issues, and actions taken.
Use the concepts discussed in class to evaluate the effectiveness of the CSR strategy.
Write a short analysis report highlighting your findings and recommendations.

Attend CSR Industry Workshops

Show steps

Connect with industry experts and practitioners, gain insights on current trends, and expand knowledge.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Research industry events and identify relevant CSR workshops.
Register and attend the workshops.
Actively participate, ask questions, and network with attendees.

Develop a CSR Communication Plan

Show steps

Demonstrate understanding of CSR communication strategies and create a plan to effectively convey CSR initiatives.

Browse courses on CSR

Show steps

Define the target audience for the CSR communication plan.
Identify key messages and develop communication channels.
Create a timeline for implementation and monitoring.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the communication plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Discovering Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the implementation of CSR policies and programs within organizations. They work to ensure that businesses operate in a sustainable and ethical manner, and that they are accountable to their stakeholders. This course provides a comprehensive overview of CSR, including its history, theories, and practices. It also provides practical guidance on how to develop and implement CSR strategies. As such, it is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to pursue a career in CSR management.

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

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their environmental and social performance. They help businesses to develop and implement sustainability strategies, and to measure and report on their progress. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles, frameworks, and reporting methodologies. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Sustainability Consultant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts assess the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of companies. They use this information to make investment decisions and to advise clients on sustainable investing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, including the different frameworks and methodologies used to measure ESG performance. It also provides practical guidance on how to conduct ESG analysis. As such, it is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to pursue a career in ESG analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Analyst

CSR Reporting Specialist

CSR Reporting Specialists are responsible for preparing and publishing CSR reports. These reports provide information about a company's social and environmental performance. This course provides practical guidance on how to develop and write CSR reports. It also covers the different reporting frameworks and standards that are used in CSR reporting. As such, it is an ideal resource for anyone who wants to pursue a career in CSR reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for CSR Reporting Specialist

Corporate Communications Manager

Corporate Communications Managers are responsible for communicating with the public on behalf of their organizations. They develop and implement communication strategies, and they manage media relations. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work in corporate communications, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of corporate communication.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Communications Manager

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of their organizations. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, and they manage media relations. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work in public relations, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of public relations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies. They oversee the development of marketing campaigns, and they manage marketing budgets. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work in marketing, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Business Development Manager

Business Development Managers are responsible for generating new business for their organizations. They develop and implement business development strategies, and they manage sales teams. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work in business development, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of business development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance. They help businesses to develop and implement strategies, and they provide advice on a variety of management issues. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Management Consultant, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of management consulting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop and recommend policy solutions, and they advise policymakers. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Policy Analyst, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of public policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Journalist

Journalists research and write news stories. They may also conduct interviews and produce documentaries. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Journalist, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of news reporting.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels. They develop and implement lesson plans, and they assess student progress. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Teacher, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement strategic plans, and they manage staff and volunteers. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Nonprofit Manager, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of nonprofit management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Social Worker

Social Workers help people to overcome social and emotional problems. They provide counseling, support, and resources. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as a Social Worker, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of social work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Activist

Activists work to promote social and environmental change. They organize campaigns, lobby policymakers, and raise awareness about important issues. This course provides a solid foundation in CSR, including its principles and practices. This knowledge is essential for anyone who wants to work as an Activist, as CSR is increasingly becoming a key part of activism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Activist