Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to Johnson and Scholes' definition of strategy, what key element enables an organization to gain an advantage?
According to Johnson and Scholes' definition of strategy, what key element enables an organization to gain an advantage?
Which characteristic is LEAST descriptive of strategic decisions, according to the content?
Which characteristic is LEAST descriptive of strategic decisions, according to the content?
What is the primary role of sustainability professionals in organizations?
What is the primary role of sustainability professionals in organizations?
Which activity is LEAST likely to be conducted by sustainability professionals?
Which activity is LEAST likely to be conducted by sustainability professionals?
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Which of the following best describes the primary focus of corporate sustainability?
Which of the following best describes the primary focus of corporate sustainability?
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According to the provided text, what is the ultimate goal of corporate sustainability?
According to the provided text, what is the ultimate goal of corporate sustainability?
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According to the content, what is a key trend observed in the early 2020s regarding sustainability roles in organizations?
According to the content, what is a key trend observed in the early 2020s regarding sustainability roles in organizations?
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Which aspect does not directly fall under the umbrella of corporate sustainability as defined in the text?
Which aspect does not directly fall under the umbrella of corporate sustainability as defined in the text?
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What is NOT an attribute of strategic corporate sustainability?
What is NOT an attribute of strategic corporate sustainability?
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Why are environmental, social, and economic issues described as parts of larger systems within the context of sustainability?
Why are environmental, social, and economic issues described as parts of larger systems within the context of sustainability?
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What is a core purpose of strategic decisions?
What is a core purpose of strategic decisions?
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What competency is specifically highlighted for development within the seminar?
What competency is specifically highlighted for development within the seminar?
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What is something that a sustainability professional wouldn't be tasked with?
What is something that a sustainability professional wouldn't be tasked with?
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What is the intended purpose of the 'Ethics Fishbowl' activity in the seminar?
What is the intended purpose of the 'Ethics Fishbowl' activity in the seminar?
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In the context of the seminar, what is the purpose of the initial 'Think' exercise involving a regional ethical dilemma?
In the context of the seminar, what is the purpose of the initial 'Think' exercise involving a regional ethical dilemma?
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What are the three book chapters listed intended to help students learn?
What are the three book chapters listed intended to help students learn?
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Which of the following best describes the primary aim of strategic corporate sustainability?
Which of the following best describes the primary aim of strategic corporate sustainability?
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What is the significance of 'early warning signals' from stakeholders in the context of strategic corporate sustainability?
What is the significance of 'early warning signals' from stakeholders in the context of strategic corporate sustainability?
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Which of the following is an example of a key tension that sustainability professionals frequently navigate?
Which of the following is an example of a key tension that sustainability professionals frequently navigate?
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Why is addressing the tensions faced by sustainability professionals particularly challenging?
Why is addressing the tensions faced by sustainability professionals particularly challenging?
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What challenge do sustainability professionals face regarding resourcing?
What challenge do sustainability professionals face regarding resourcing?
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Which alignment is needed for sustainability professionals to strategically manage their tasks effectively?
Which alignment is needed for sustainability professionals to strategically manage their tasks effectively?
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How do the key tensions around corporate sustainability manifest in the 'internalisation' versus 'externalities' dilemma?
How do the key tensions around corporate sustainability manifest in the 'internalisation' versus 'externalities' dilemma?
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Voluntary versus Mandatory policies presents what challenge in corporate sustainability?
Voluntary versus Mandatory policies presents what challenge in corporate sustainability?
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Which approach best fosters active listening and respectful engagement during group discussions?
Which approach best fosters active listening and respectful engagement during group discussions?
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What potential challenge arises when managers prioritize short-term business realities over long-term societal impacts?
What potential challenge arises when managers prioritize short-term business realities over long-term societal impacts?
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In a fishbowl exercise, what critical skill for responsible managers is highlighted by withholding from interrupting the active discussion?
In a fishbowl exercise, what critical skill for responsible managers is highlighted by withholding from interrupting the active discussion?
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How can managers effectively address resistance to sustainability initiatives from employees or leadership?
How can managers effectively address resistance to sustainability initiatives from employees or leadership?
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What action exemplifies integrating sustainability into daily business according to Group A?
What action exemplifies integrating sustainability into daily business according to Group A?
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In the context of Group B discussions, what is the MOST effective method for addressing a colleague pressuring you to compromise ethical standards?
In the context of Group B discussions, what is the MOST effective method for addressing a colleague pressuring you to compromise ethical standards?
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What is the PRIMARY risk for management when compromising on ethical standards to achieve business goals?
What is the PRIMARY risk for management when compromising on ethical standards to achieve business goals?
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How does the fishbowl exercise BEST simulate the role of a responsible manager?
How does the fishbowl exercise BEST simulate the role of a responsible manager?
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Which statement reflects a perspective that prioritizes short-term business goals over ethical considerations?
Which statement reflects a perspective that prioritizes short-term business goals over ethical considerations?
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What is a common misconception regarding the role of sustainability in management?
What is a common misconception regarding the role of sustainability in management?
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Which statement acknowledges the importance of ethics in achieving long-term business success?
Which statement acknowledges the importance of ethics in achieving long-term business success?
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What is the primary concern of a manager who believes sustainability is merely a buzz-word?
What is the primary concern of a manager who believes sustainability is merely a buzz-word?
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Which perspective emphasizes the integration of social considerations into managerial decisions?
Which perspective emphasizes the integration of social considerations into managerial decisions?
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What is the role of observers in the discussed management groups?
What is the role of observers in the discussed management groups?
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Which option best describes a manager who fails to see the value of integrating sustainability?
Which option best describes a manager who fails to see the value of integrating sustainability?
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Which statement aligns with the belief that business success can coexist with strict adherence to ethics?
Which statement aligns with the belief that business success can coexist with strict adherence to ethics?
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Which of the following best describes the influence of corporate culture on ethical decision-making?
Which of the following best describes the influence of corporate culture on ethical decision-making?
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How might 'poorly designed reward systems' lead to unethical employee behavior?
How might 'poorly designed reward systems' lead to unethical employee behavior?
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What is the main implication of viewing corporations as 'collective actors' regarding ethical conduct?
What is the main implication of viewing corporations as 'collective actors' regarding ethical conduct?
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How do 'situational factors' affect ethical decision-making within a corporation?
How do 'situational factors' affect ethical decision-making within a corporation?
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Which of the following best describes the relationship between 'national culture' and ethical behavior in international business?
Which of the following best describes the relationship between 'national culture' and ethical behavior in international business?
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According to the information, what role do firms' norms and values play in the context of corporate sustainability?
According to the information, what role do firms' norms and values play in the context of corporate sustainability?
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Which of the following is an attribute of 'individual factors' in ethical decision-making?
Which of the following is an attribute of 'individual factors' in ethical decision-making?
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Why is it insufficient to view ethical decision making through the lens of legal compliance?
Why is it insufficient to view ethical decision making through the lens of legal compliance?
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How could 'incentivising ethical behaviour' be an appropriate change agent for managers?
How could 'incentivising ethical behaviour' be an appropriate change agent for managers?
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How do firms have rules that set authority relationships?
How do firms have rules that set authority relationships?
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Flashcards
Corporate Sustainability
Corporate Sustainability
Managing an enterprise's impact on ecological, social, and economic systems for long-term benefits.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
A business model where companies integrate social and environmental concerns into operations.
Business Ethics
Business Ethics
Moral principles that guide the way a business behaves and conducts itself.
Ethical Decision-Making
Ethical Decision-Making
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Competencies of Sustainability Professionals
Competencies of Sustainability Professionals
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Tensions in Corporate Sustainability
Tensions in Corporate Sustainability
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Ethical and Responsible Leadership
Ethical and Responsible Leadership
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Ethics Fishbowl
Ethics Fishbowl
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Strategic Decisions
Strategic Decisions
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Stakeholder Expectations
Stakeholder Expectations
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Future Orientation
Future Orientation
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Organisational Embeddedness
Organisational Embeddedness
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Sustainability Professionals
Sustainability Professionals
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Competitive Advantage
Competitive Advantage
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Strategic corporate sustainability
Strategic corporate sustainability
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Alignment with Key Resources
Alignment with Key Resources
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Key Tensions of Sustainability
Key Tensions of Sustainability
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Triple Bottom Line
Triple Bottom Line
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Hard Skills for Sustainability Professionals
Hard Skills for Sustainability Professionals
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Soft Skills for Sustainability Professionals
Soft Skills for Sustainability Professionals
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Conflict Resolution in Sustainability
Conflict Resolution in Sustainability
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Discussion Prompts
Discussion Prompts
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Sustainability in Business
Sustainability in Business
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Managerial Resistance
Managerial Resistance
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Ethical Standards
Ethical Standards
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Balancing Priorities
Balancing Priorities
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Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics
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Observer Insights
Observer Insights
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Responsible Management
Responsible Management
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Sustainability in Management
Sustainability in Management
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Debate on Sustainability
Debate on Sustainability
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Business Goals vs. Ethics
Business Goals vs. Ethics
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Group Discussion Facilitation
Group Discussion Facilitation
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Observer Role in Discussions
Observer Role in Discussions
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Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis
Strengths and Weaknesses Analysis
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Interactive Learning Techniques
Interactive Learning Techniques
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Individual Factors
Individual Factors
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Cognitive Moral Development
Cognitive Moral Development
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Moral Awareness
Moral Awareness
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Situational Factors
Situational Factors
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Corporate Culture
Corporate Culture
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Reward and Incentive Schemes
Reward and Incentive Schemes
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National Culture
National Culture
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Normative Context
Normative Context
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Corporations as Collective Actors
Corporations as Collective Actors
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Codes of Conduct
Codes of Conduct
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Study Notes
CSR Beyond the Mainstream - Seminar 2
- Seminar focuses on responsibility, ethics, and sustainability in management.
- A quiz based on session 1 readings is planned.
- Definitions of corporate sustainability, corporate responsibility, and business ethics will be provided.
- The role and responsibilities of CSR professionals are discussed.
- Integrating responsibility, ethics, and sustainability into management processes and corporate strategy is a key focus.
- Key concepts will include corporate sustainability and strategy, corporate social responsibility, business ethics, tensions in corporate sustainability, sustainability professional competencies, and ethical decision-making.
- A case study activity (Ethics Fishbowl), is scheduled for participants.
- Relevant chapters (3, 5, and 10) are recommended for further study.
- Seminar aims to develop competence in ethical and responsible leadership and acting with integrity and accountability for societal impact.
Defining Corporate Sustainability
- Corporate sustainability aims to manage and balance an enterprise's embeddedness in interconnected ecological, social, and economic systems.
- This creates long-term ecological balance, societal welfare, and stakeholder value.
- Economic, social, and environmental issues are complex systems impacting each other.
- Businesses, for instance, impact and are impacted by natural systems, including the Earth's climate.
- Corporate sustainability seeks to balance social, environmental, and economic interests while operating.
- Avoiding actions that benefit one sphere at the expense of another is critical.
Defining Strategy in Relation to Corporate Sustainability
- Strategy is defined as the long-term direction and scope of an organization.
- It aims to achieve advantage through resource configuration within a changing environment to meet market needs and fulfill stakeholder expectations.
- Strategic decisions are concerned with the entire firm, such as entering a product market.
- These decisions are forward-looking and risky.
- Strategic decisions aim to achieve competitive advantage for the corporation and meet stakeholder expectations.
Motivation for Corporate Engagement in Sustainability
- Corporate sustainability is motivated by various factors, including creating firm value.
- Firms face a responsibility to contribute to public goods.
- Corporate sustainability can be viewed as the right thing to do.
- Other actors in society expect certain actions from the firm.
- These motives can be instrumental, ethical, political or stakeholder-related.
- They are discussed in a circular representation in the notes.
Key Tensions Around Corporate Sustainability
- A tension exists between shareholder (economic) interests and stakeholder (social/environmental) interests.
- This tension is further complicated by internalization versus externalization and global versus local concerns.
- It represents trade-offs between different elements of sustainability.
Characteristics of Sustainability Professionals
- There is a tension between commercial goals (profit) and sustainability goals.
- Sustainability professionals face difficult tasks due to the complex nature of goals, often with limited resources.
- They often perceive their tasks as difficult.
Hard and Soft Skills of Sustainability Professionals
- Sustainability professionals need certain hard and soft skills to execute their job.
- Professionals have a tendency to possess various skill sets like process management, supply chain management, green building systems, risk assessments, scientific expertise, auditing, financial analysis, systems, thinking, sustainability reporting, project management, strategic planning.
Sustainability Professional Competencies
- Sustainability professionals require a wide range of competencies to effectively balance complex tasks.
- These competencies encompass cognition, functionality, social interactions, and conceptual approaches.
Necessity of Ethical Reflection for Corporate Sustainability
- Ethical reflection is needed to navigate the complex world of corporate sustainability.
- It's relevant to consider ethical frameworks alongside strategic planning.
- Ethical decision making is impacted by multiple biases.
- Considering compliance, integrity and ethics when making decisions can help to guide ethical conduct in corporations.
Three Main Normative Ethical Theories
- Key theories are Utilitarian, Duty-based, Virtue, and Posthuman.
- Each theory has unique aspects regarding morality, man, and focus.
Descriptive Ethics
- Descriptive ethical theories examine how ethical decision-making takes place.
- Factors considered are individual and situational.
Corporate Culture and Ethical Decision Making
- Corporate culture, reward systems, and national culture influence ethical decision-making.
Managing for Ethical Reflection in Corporations
- A compliance orientation focuses on following predefined rules, while an integrity orientation fosters ethical reflection.
- Compliance is a reactive process, while integrity is a proactive process.
Possibility of Ethical Reflection in the Context of Corporate Sustainability
- Corporations are viewed as collective actors with established norms and values that extend beyond individual members.
- They can be considered as independent actors.
Bringing About Sustainable Changes in Organizations
- Sustainability professionals may have difficulties integrating sustainability into mainstream management strategies.
Difficulties in Implementing Sustainability Strategies
- Measuring sustainability is difficult.
- Resistance to change in organizational structures can hinder improvements.
- Sustainability is a complex issue involving several stakeholder concerns requiring complex decision-making.
Corporate Sustainability Overview
- Corporate sustainability is about balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives.
- Ethical considerations are essential for sustainability initiatives.
- Sustainability professionals require diverse skills to navigate organizational challenges.
Ethics Fishbowl Activity
- This activity is designed to develop practical strategies to integrate ethics, responsibility, and sustainability in management.
- It involves discussions, observations, and evaluation in small groups.
- This is a small-group activity that involves two groups discussing given statements and presenting a balanced view of their perspectives.
Practical Tips for Instructors
- Guidelines for leading and facilitating the ethics fishbowl session are described.
- It emphasizes the need to remind participants of their role and give clear instructions for the inner and outer circles.
- Discussion topics are provided to guide the fishbowl activity.
Observer Guide for Ethics Fishbowl
- Instructions for participants observing the fishbowl discussion are provided.
Plenary Debrief
- Suggestions and guidelines for the subsequent plenary discussion about the ethics fishbowl are given.
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Description
Test your understanding of corporate sustainability concepts and strategic decision-making. This quiz covers key elements that enable organizations to gain advantages and explores the roles of sustainability professionals in a corporate context. Dive into the primary focus and ultimate goals of corporate sustainability as outlined in current trends.