What you’ll learn
- CSR and Philanthropy Defined
- Identify a company’s core business elements
- Get to know the UN’s SDG Framework for the implementation of a CSR Program
- Differentiate between CSR and Philanthropy
- Identify stakeholders and understand their needs
- Develop a CSR Program linked to the SDG Framework
Description
Corporate Social Responsibility has become an increasingly relevant aspect of business. It differs from philanthropy in that CSR should align with core business elements and become part of the company culture. Leaders and employees are all involved and invested. It should be a planned and documented program.
With a CSR strategy, companies look beyond profit margins and make a long term commitment to taking responsibility for their impacts on social, economic and environmental well-being. Ideally, society thrives as the company prospers.
In 2015, the United Nations and its member nations approved the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a comprehensive framework for social interventions such as CSR so that global challenges are addressed using a common structure. It has proved practical to adapt because it overlaps existing CSR programs and provides guidelines for efforts that seek to bring social change. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a sustainable future for all.
While not required, it only makes sense to reference the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals when implementing a CSR program and benchmark companies that have been successful in implementing SDGs.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) allows organizations to operate sustainably and should be a strategic business aspect, regardless of the size of a business. It has to be aligned with core business to guarantee that it is beneficial to both the company and the community it operates in.
What is covered in this CSR SDG course
In this introductory CSR SDG course, learners are given an in-depth and practical understanding of CSR and how it differs from philanthropy. Core business elements are identified using Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle. Stakeholders are defined and understood, and their key roles are recognized, especially important since stakeholders are at both ends of the spectrum of a CSR program. The UN’s SDG framework is introduced as a useful tool when developing a CSR strategy and for enhancing a program that is already in place, especially to benchmark what initiatives are applicable and have proved to be successful.
Who should take this CSR course
This course is at an introductory level for learners who are in the field of sociology, social work, communications, marketing, human resources, education and international studies. The learner may already have some basic knowledge of corporate social responsibility, strategic and team management and corporate communications in different capacities, however it is also suited to those who may be new to CSR.
This corporate social responsibility course is also well suited to those who are curious about CSR and the SDGs, and who quickly want to get an overview of the process of aligning a CSR program with the SDG goals.
Certification
If you pass all the assessments in this course you will be issued with a Certificate of Competence in Introduction to CSR Strategy with a SDG Framework.
The assessment has been prepared by the instructor, and is based on those key areas which demonstrate competence.
Read more about the Sustainability Education Academy Certification here
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