ArgosyUniversity

COURSE SYLLABUS

B7432

Corporate Social Responsibility

Faculty Information

Faculty Name: Mohammad Malkawi, Ph.D.

Campus: Chicago; 225 N. Michigan Avenue; Office 1379

Contact Information: ; ; 847-483-4432

Office Hours: Office # 1379; Monday & Wednesday 2-4 pm

Short Faculty Bio: Associate professor at ArgosyUniversity – Chicago;

  • During the last three years, Dr. Malkawi was one of the prime architects of the High Productivity/Performance Computing Systems at Sun Microsystems. This is a project sponsored by the Department of Defense Advanced Research Program Agency. His involvement was in the fault tolerance aspect of the system.
  • Dr. Malkawi co-founded and is acting VP of a startup company (AIM Wireless Solutions). This company develops and provides high performance and highly reliable software systems. This group has developed several packages for the telecomm industry. The products provide ultra high speed performance.
  • Dr. Malkawi is a visiting Research Scientist at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign (UIUC).
  • Dr. Malkawi holds the position of “International Program Coordinator” for Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST). He recently arranged for JUST to establish a joint collaborative program in Engineering Sciences with University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
  • He supervises graduate students at MS and Ph.D levels at UIUC, JUST, and other universities
  • He has taught and is currently teaching several courses at Argosy including Information Management, Data Management Strategies and Technologies, Global Enterprise Networking and Telecommunications, Decision Support Systems, Managing Information Resources, and others
  • He is currently supervising several dissertation research at Argosy

He supervises graduate students at MS and Ph.D levels at UIUC, JUST, and other universities in Jordan

Course description:
This graduate course provides an in-depth review and analysis of the latest theories and research on corporate social responsibility. The course focuses on understanding governmental and quasi-governmental regulatory institutions and related corporate social responsibility business impacts; an understanding of the process of developing corporate social responsibility standards and policies, how to interpret them, and how to determine relative weight; and an understanding of how to assess, deal with and prevent corporate social responsibility risks. Emphasis includes working with and being a team leader and in collaboration. Communication projects will focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making based on relevant research, information literacy, applied technology, integration, ethical and diversity concerns. Focused attention is on utilizing leadership and collaboration practices in corporate social responsibility within an organization, an industry, country, region, and world.

Course Pre-requisites: None; class notes will be available

Required Textbook:None

Recommended Textbook:

Newton, L. H., Ford, M. M. (2008). Taking sides.(10th ed.).McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9780073527277

Tom L. Beauchamp, Norman E. Bowie, Denis G. Arnold, “Ethical Theory and Business”, PEARSON EDUCATION, ISBN: 10: 0-13-6126030

Course length: 7.5 Weeks

Contact Hours: 45 Hours

Credit Value: 3.0

Program Outcomes:

  1. Research
  2. Performing – Design, conduct, and justify applied research in a business context using appropriate methodology
  3. Understanding – Evaluate and apply existing theory and research to current business practice
  4. Communication
  5. Oral – Present orally, complex business information that is concise, clear, organized, and well supported in a professional manner appropriate to the business context
  6. Written – Present in writing, complex business information that is concise, clear, organized, and well supported in a professional manner appropriate to the business context using required format
  7. Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
  8. Critical thinking – Evaluate relevance of established theory to current business practice and identify gaps in current literature
  9. Problem Solving/Decision Making – Given a business situation, diagnose the underlying causes of the situation, evaluate possible solutions, in relation to underlying business theory and determine and defend appropriate course of action
  10. Information Literacy - Conduct an exhaustive literature search from a variety of sources, evaluate the credibility of the sources, and apply that information to create new knowledge
  11. Team
  12. Leadership - Conduct an exhaustive literature search from a variety of sources, evaluate the credibility of the sources, and apply that information to create new knowledge
  13. Collaboration - Given a case study or business situation collect, assimilate, and disseminate the views of stakeholders
  14. Ethics
  15. Ethics - Given a case study or business situations, evaluate the ethical dimensions of decision situations and personal, social, and corporate responsibility not absolved by market forces
  16. Diversity
  17. Diversity - Given a case study or business situation evaluate the multicultural dimensions of decision situations and multicultural solutions to business situations

Management Concentration

  1. Strategic Planning
  2. Strategic/Change Mgt – Develop clear initiatives to assist a business to reach its goals in a changing environment
  3. Resource Management
  4. Motivation, Coaching, and Delegating – Evaluate the potential effectiveness of a leadership strategy for training, coaching, delegating, and motivation within a specific organizational context

Course Objectives:

The course is intended to introduce graduate students to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR, also called corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, and responsible business). The course will show how organizations may consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment. This obligation is seen to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life for employees and their families as well as for the local community and society at large.

The course will present arguments and debate on the practice of CSR. Proponents argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits. Critics argue that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; still others argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations. Following is a detailed mapping with the Program Outcomes:

  1. Examine and evaluate current literature on corporate social responsibility. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
  2. Compare and contrast the theories, models, principles and practices of corporate social responsibility. (Program Objectives: (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3)
  3. Analyze the role of governmental and quasi-governmental regulatory institutions in establishing and maintaining corporate socially responsible standards, policies and practices. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 5.1, 7.1, 8.1)
  4. Explore teamwork and diversity issues, within the context of corporate social responsibility. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 6.1 7.1, 8.1)
  5. Analyze the risks of corporate social responsibility. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1 7.1, 8.1)
  6. Compare and contrast the global views and practices of corporate social responsibility. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1 7.1, 8.1)
  7. Analyze, compare and contrast the role of leadership in establishing and sustaining corporate socially responsibility policies and practices, within the contexts of organizations, industries, nations and the global community. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.1, 6.1 7.1, 8.1)
  8. Analyze and apply socially responsible corporate practices to contemporary business problems. (Program Outcomes: 1.1, 2.1 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1 7.1, 8.1)

Course Topic Outline

1.Development

2.Approaches

3.Auditing and reporting

4.Business benefits

5.Human resources

6.Risk management

7.Brand differentiation

8.License to operate

9.Critical analysis

10.Disputed business motives

11.Self-interest

12.Hindrance of free trade

13.Drivers

14.Ethical consumerism

15.Globalization and market forces

16.Social awareness and education

17.Ethics training

18.Government laws and regulation

19.Crises and their consequences

Assignment Table

Topics / Readings / Assignments
1 /
  • Weekly Overview
  • Ethical Theory and Business Practice
  • Morality and Ethical Theory
  • Morality and Prudence
  • Morality and Law
  • The Rule of Conscience
  • Responsibilities vs. Voluntary
  • Society vs. Individuals
  • Summary
/
  • Articles associated with course objective #1
/ MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#1.1
Research three journal articles on systems theory, in the context of organizations. On the DiscussionThread, list the three articles in APA style and, in a two-page paper describe the interrelatedness between business and society. Support your rationale, with research.
#1.2
Research two journal articles on the triple bottom line theory and two on the concept of ROI/organizational profits. On the Discussion Thread, list the two articles in APA style. Write a two-page paper, comparing and contrasting the two views. Be sure to address any ethical issues that arise in either concept. Support your rationale with research.
#1.3
Write a two- page analysis on the ways in which systems theory and the triple bottom line theory support, or negate, each other. Be sure to address the topics for this module in your work.
#1.4
Discuss the issues of adopting CSR policies. Which “side” do you agree with? Explain your rationale.
  • Post this assignment to the 1.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.

2 /
  • Weekly Overview
  • The Purpose of the Corporation
  • The social responsibility of business is to maximize profits??
  • Commitment to fulfilling social responsibilities
  • Diversity
  • Values
  • Collaboration
  • Summary
/
  • Articles:
Milton Friedman, “The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits”
John R. Boatright, “What's Wrong--and What's Right--with Stakeholder Management” / MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#2.1
Research three articles on the topic of strategic alliances between multinational corporations (MNC) and/or transnational organizations (TNC). Write a two–page analysis of the social responsibility issues that arise between strategic alliance partners.
#2.2
Research three articles and write a two-page paper analyzing the ways in which the types of issues that arise in strategic alliances, such as teamwork, diversity, values, ethics, culture, leadership, etc., are currently being addressed by organizations..
#2.3
The class will be divided into two teams. One group will take the pro perspective of the social and ethical value of teamwork and diversity, explaining the benefits of organizational development of diverse teams to individuals and society. The second group will take the con view of the social and ethical value of teamwork and diversity, explaining the detriments of organizational development of diverse teams to individuals and society. Each team will write a two-page paper supporting their views, grounded in research of theories and models. Be sure to address the topics for this module in your work.
#2.4
Discuss one of the five articles you read for this module. What are the main issues with global view and practices of CSR, according to that article? Explain.
  • Post this assignment to the 2.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.

3 /
  • Weekly Overview
  • Ethical Treatment of Employees
  • Employment at Will (EAW)
  • Justifications of EAW
  • Objections to EAW
  • Socially Responsible Standards and Practices
  • Consumerism
  • Summary
/ Patricia H. Werhane and Tara J. Radin, “Employment at Will and Due Process”
Richard A. Epstein, “In Defense of the Contract at Will” / MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#3.1
Research three articles on the topic of organizations and political strategies. List the three articles, in APA style, on the Discussion Board.Then, describe your beliefs regarding whether corporations should, or should not, have political strategies. Provide a rationale for your position, supported by research.
#3.2
The class will be divided into two teams. One group will take the “Yes” perspective of the socially responsible issues of strategic alliances and outsourcing. The other team will take the “No” stance of this issue. Each team will develop an 8 - 10 page PowerPoint presentation, including slide notes, in support of their view on the topic. Use actual organizational examples and the theories and models studied in this course, in developing the argument for or against. Be sure to address the following: Governmental and political policies and practices, teamwork, diversity and ethics, supported by research.
#3.3
Write1 - 2paragraphs, explaining your position in response to each of the following questions:
1.)Describe the current relationship between government and business in the United States.
2.)Compare and contrast the relationship described in #1 with the current relationship between government and business in China.
3.)Describe one public policy goal of the United States for its citizens.
4.)Compare and contrast the value of governmental regulation to the American consumers.
5.)Despite many governmental and quasi-governmental levels of consumer protection, consumerism is still fraught with a variety of risks. What are your recommendations, on a governmental and quasi-governmental level for reducing the risks consumers face?
6.) Support your position with theories, models and references. Be sure to address the topics for this module in your work, supported by research.
#3.4
Discuss the issues with genetically modified food. Which “side” do you agree with? Explain your rationale.
  • Post this assignment to the 3.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.

4 /
  • Weekly Overview
DIVERSITY, DISCRIMINATION, AND HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE
  • Two positions regarding affirmative action
  • Hiring and Promotion
  • Lending and Housing
  • Jobs
  • Discrimination
  • Vision & Values
  • Safeguards
  • Summary
/ 1- Tom L. Beauchamp, “Affirmative Action Goals in Hiring and Promotion”
2- N. Scott Arnold, “Affirmative Action and the Demands of Justice” / MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#4.1
Research a minimum of five articles on an organization of your choice (private, public, NGO or Governmental) that you want to investigate and make the focus of the final reflective. See the details of the final reflective requirements in the module 7 assignment section. Email the titles, authors’ names and publishing information of the five articles to the professor.
#4.2
Email the title of your final reflective to the professor.
#4.3
Research a minimum of three articles on the topic of individual rights versus social responsibilities. Write a two-page paper, comparing and contrasting those two views. Be sure to address the topics of this module in your work.
#4.4
Choose either issue #7 or #11. Discuss your “side” of that issue. Explain your rationale.
  • Post this assignment to the 4.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.

5 /
  • Weekly Overview
MARKETING AND THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
  • Autonomous Desire
  • Rational Desire and Choice
  • Free Choice
  • Competition
/ Robert L. Arrington, “Advertising and ehavior Control” / MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#5.1
Write an outline for your final reflective and email to the professor.
#5.2
Write an abstract for your final reflective and email to the professor.
#5.3
Write a four-page paper, comparing and contrasting the two views of global warming – that we currently are experiencing the effects and should be regulating industry and consumers, versus the perspective that global warming cannot be scientifically proven and we need no global policies or regulations. Be sure to address the topics of national and global regulation, national and global environmental practices, ethics and competition.
#5.4
Discuss your “side” regarding environmental restrictions and economic freedom. Explain your rationale.
  • Post this assignment to the 5.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.

6 /
  • Weekly Overview
ETHICAL ISSUES IN FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING / Ronald F. Duska and Brenda Shay Duska, “Ethics in Auditing: The Auditing Function” / MAKE SURE THAT YOU APPLY APA 5TH EDITION GUIDELINES TO YOUR WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSIONS.
#6.1
Pick one of the following topics and write a 3-page paper, supported by research other than the texts, analyzing the corporate socially responsible issues:
  • E-commerce
  • Internet Communication
  • Education
  • Information
Be sure to discuss the teamwork, diversity and ethical aspects of the topic in your work.
#6.2
Write a one-page paper on the topic of intellectual property, analyzing the role of technology in both protecting and violating knowledge and the corporate socially responsible issues.
#6.3
Write 3 – 4 paragraphs, explaining your position in response to each of the following questions:
1.)What are three of the major factors fueling international technological growth? Explain the ways in which those factors impede or support corporate social responsibility.
2.)What are the major corporate socially responsible issues regarding the impact of technology on scientific breakthroughs?
3.)Compare and contrast organizational self-regulation, versus governmental regulation, on issues such as genetically engineered food, bioterrorism and cloning.
Support your position with theories, models and references.
#6.4
Discuss the Sinclair and Irani article you read for this module. What are the main issues with technology and CSR? Explain.
  • Post this assignment to the 6.4 thread.
  • Discussions are informal and do not require APA style and formatting.
  • Discussions are to be posted directly to the thread, rather than attached as a Word document.
  • Be sure to respond to a minimum of two of your classmate’s postings.