Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting and Communications

Course Description

Welcome to "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Reporting and Communications," an engaging and insightful course designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex world of CSR reporting and communication strategies. In this intermediate-level course, you'll explore the intricacies of how companies organize and report their CSR activities, develop credible communication policies, and avoid the pitfalls of "CSR-washing."

Whether you're a manager, employee, teacher, student, or simply a conscientious consumer, this course offers valuable insights into the world of corporate social responsibility. Through a combination of business case studies, expert opinions, and interactive discussions, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of CSR reporting and communications, enabling you to make more informed decisions in your professional and personal life.

What students will learn from the course

• Adopt a critical view on CSR reporting and communications
• Develop clear and sound communications plans that balance multiple stakeholder interests
• Recognize the risks of CSR washing and opportunities associated with solid CSR communications strategies
• Understand different types of CSR reporting and relevant guides and standards
• Assess the quality of CSR reports and understand the importance of report assurance
• Analyze the reasons for communicating (or not communicating) CSR activities
• Identify effective CSR communication strategies and content recommendations
• Recognize and avoid "CSR-washing" practices
• Evaluate various communication tools and channels for CSR messaging

Prerequisites or skills necessary to complete the course

Prior knowledge of the concept of CSR is useful. For those who have no knowledge of the subject, it is recommended to take the course "Discovering Corporate Social Responsibility" as a preamble.

What the course will cover

• Types of CSR reporting and relevant standards
• Assessing the quality of CSR reports
• Importance of report assurance
• Reasons for communicating CSR activities
• Effective CSR communication strategies
• Content recommendations for CSR messaging
• Understanding and avoiding "CSR-washing"
• Communication tools and channels for CSR:
  • Product packaging
  • Labels and certifications (including B Corp)
  • Advertising
  • Social media

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for:

• Managers and employees interested in CSR practices
• Teachers and students in business, communication, or sustainability fields
• Consumers who want to make better-informed choices
• Anyone interested in understanding corporate communication strategies and CSR practices

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The skills acquired in this course have numerous real-world applications:

• Managers can develop more effective and credible CSR communication strategies
• Employees can contribute to their company's CSR reporting and communication efforts
• Consumers can make more informed purchasing decisions by critically evaluating companies' CSR claims
• Students and professionals can enhance their career prospects in CSR, sustainability, or corporate communications
• Educators can incorporate these concepts into their teaching to prepare students for the evolving business landscape
• Citizens can engage more effectively with companies and hold them accountable for their CSR practices

Syllabus

1. How to organize reporting?
   • Different types of reporting
   • Guides and standards
   • Assessing the quality of a CSR report
   • Why insure a report?
2. Why and how to communicate?
   • Reasons for communicating or not communicating
   • How to communicate effectively
   • Recommendations for CSR message content
   • Understanding "CSR-washing"
   • Recommendations for credible CSR communication
3. What communication tools and channels should be used?
   • Product packaging
   • Labels and certifications (including B Corp certification)
   • Advertising
   • Social media

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain valuable insights into the world of CSR reporting and communications, enabling you to become a more informed professional, consumer, and citizen in today's socially conscious business environment.