The aim of this course ist to introduce students to corporate social responsibility (CSR) in international business. Special attention will be given to managing operations in emerging markets.

Topics covered in the course include, but are not limited to: definitions of CSR in a globalized world, approaches of multinational companies to social issues, the effect of internationalization of companies and globalization of markets on social responsibilities of business, and the role of different corporate functions in the overall social performance of the multinational company.

This course is a part of the Cross-Functional Management Program (Bachelor/undergraduate level).

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Upon completion of this course students will have understood:

• What is CSR and what does it mean for managers to act responsibly in a globalized world.

• The idiosyncrasies involved in developing CSR strategies in the era of globalization

• How multinational companies respond to social issues.

• How different corporate functions (HRM, marketing, finance. etc.) are affected by ethical challenges in an international context, and how can they contribute to overall social performance of the company.

• Key analytical tools and frameworks helpful to managers working in global companies in managing responsibly.

COGNITIVE AND SUBJECT SPECIFIC SKILLS
After completing this course, students will have:
• The ability to appreciate the complexities involved in decision situations in a global context.
• The ability to contextualize these decisions in light of pressures from internal and external stakeholders.
• The ability to develop CSR system suitable for competing in the global arena.
• The ability to analyze cases that approximate business situations faced by managers of multinational companies.

KEY SKILLS
At the end of this course, students will have:
• Reinforced the principles that are essential for a creative, self-disciplined team to manage social performance of a multinational company in a fast changing global environment.

Teaching methods: Interactive lectures, discussions, case studies.

Participation in all sessions is compulsory. Students are expected to read the literature and conduct research on the case studies covered in the course before the session as the seminars will be focused on the application and problem solving, including group workshops. Attendance is checked and required in all sessions. Students will be expected to work in international groups and present results of their work both orally and in writing.

Marking scheme:

1 (Excellent): >= 91%
2 (Good): >= 81%
3 (Satisfactory): >= 71%
4 (Pass): >=61%

All students must attend the first class!

Students who have already taken courses in international business ethics, sustainability in international business, or international corporate social responsibility should not enroll in this course. Also, those students who have already completed courses in corporate social responsibility based on case studies of CSR of multinational firms should contact the lecturer (E-mail address above) before making the enrollment decision. 

Mag. Michal Lemanski: michal.lemanski@wu.ac.at

For administrative matters and registration please contact cfm@wu.ac.at