MQM3CRE-Corporate Responsibility and Ethics

Module Provider: Leadership, Organisations and Behaviour
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn / Spring / Summer module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Dr Filipe Morais
Email: f.morais@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Corporate responsibility and ethics are major concerns in contemporary society, but also an area of managerial importance for organisations and their leaders. The Corporate Responsibility and Ethics module allows practising managers to 1) gain an understanding of current corporate responsibility debates and issues, and of corporate responsibility concepts, tools and strategies, and their practical application and 2) appreciate the importance of ethical conduct which ensures corporate responsibility.        

Aims:

The Corporate Responsibility and Ethics module is designed for early career high potential employees who are likely to fast track into senior leadership positions, to enable them to:

• Develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues and debates, and key concepts and theories, in the field of applied ethics and corporate responsibility


• Understand the principles and tools of stakeholder management, their application, and recognise the importance of positive stakeholder relationships for organisational success


• Appreciate and reflect on the importance of personal ethical character in the management of corporate responsibility 


• Critically analyse the application of corporate responsibility  and ethics in varied arenas of business activity and ethical decision making


• Evaluate different approaches to managing ethics and corporate responsibility, demonstrate their application for and relationship with strategic management, and critically reflect on their role in long-term organisational performance

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, programme members should be able to:

• Recognise and critically engage with contemporary issues and debates in the corporate responsibility field


• Identify and discuss corporate responsibility concepts and theories and their relevance and application to wider management practice


• Explain the concepts and principles of stakeholder engagement and ethical and responsible management, and recognise the import ance of positive stakeholder relationships for organisational success


• Appreciate the importance of ethical theory to analyse and evaluate organisational and management actions or decisions which ensure ethical conduct  and decision making

and key personal aspects required such as dealing ethically and transparently with the different groups inside and outside the business, and reliability, inclusivity, honesty, inte grity openness and trust which instil confidence and trust in all involved.

• Critically analyse the application of corporate responsibility in varied arenas of business activity


• Apply corporate responsibility concepts, theories and tools in support of strategic management, and critically reflect on their role in the achievement of long-term organisational performance

These outcomes will be achieved through guided in dependent study (working through module materials e.g. the study guide, optional formative practical application exercises, Q&A sessions with the module tutor, and wider reading), and the completion of an assignment.

Additional outcomes:

Programme members will have the opportunity to practice their research and data gathering skills, to utilise information technology, and to develop their proficiency in written communication.   

Outline content:

A) gain an understanding of current corporate responsibility debates and issues, and of corporate responsibility concepts, tools and strategies, and their practical application

Section 1) Introducing corporate responsibility

Section 2) Engaging with stakeholders

Section 3) CSR strategy & Applying corporate responsibility

B) Ethical conduct  and decision making

Section 4) Ethical decision making. Theory and practice.

Section 5) Ethical character and ethical organisations

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

This module uses a guided independent study approach incorporating self-study, optional formative practical application exercises and online tutor support. Key module content is delivered through study guide materials. Programme members also complete a 2500-word assignment.    

The contact hours are a guide and the terms taught will vary depending on the start date of the cohort. 

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessment is through the completion of a 2,500 word individual assignment. A -10% to + 20% word count tolerance margin applies.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The assignment / project / report must achieve a minimum mark of 50% to achieve a pass.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment by 100% assignment (capped at 50%); to be submitted within 6 weeks of notification of module failure, date dependent on cohort entry and to be advised by the Programme Administrator.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

The cost of textbooks and study aids for apprentices are met by the University of Reading as per the Education and Skills Funding Agency Regulations.

Last updated: 20 May 2021