Jette Steen Knudsen, Visiting Professor
Enrollment: Unlimited: No advance sign-up
Attendance: Participants welcome at individual sessions
In April 2013 the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh killed more than 1,100 people. The collapse led to heavy criticism of working conditions for garment workers in Bangladesh and to demands that western companies such as H&M and the GAP take increased responsibility for improving social and environmental conditions in supplier factories. Many other sectors such as consumer electronics (Apple) and toys (Mattel) have faced similar challenges.
These examples illustrate a growing trend. Today stakeholders as diverse as investors, employees, the media, NGOs and customers have strong views on how corporations should be run. Firms operating in or sourcing from developing countries are increasingly held responsible for a range of issues that were previously considered the responsibility of public authorities, such as environmental management, labor standards and human rights. Furthermore, several governments have adopted new regulations that require companies to adopt CSR activities (i.e., non-financial reporting requirements; green public procurement; legislation pertaining to anti-corruption). Companies therefore have to consider a wide range of new social issues as a key element of their broader risk management. How can firms best manage and prioritize their social risk management efforts? Which types of regulation (private or public) are most helpful for managing social risks?
Sponsor(s): Political Science
Contact: Jette Steen Knudsen, jettesk@MIT.EDU
| Jan/14 | Tue | 10:00AM-12:00PM | E53-438 |
Overview of the development of sustainability as business strategy (also referred to as corporate social responsibility/CSR) and focuses on the impact of globalization. Examines strengths and limitations of sustainability as a business strategy. Is there a business case for sustainability? Which companies gain from having a sustainability strategy? Does society gain from sustainability and if so under what conditions?
| Jan/16 | Thu | 10:00AM-12:00PM | E53-438 |
This session examines the changing boundaries between public and private regulation of sustainability. Can governments govern international business? How are boundaries changing between public and private regulation of sustainability?