CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
May 25 – July 13, 2016
Course Schedule:
Wednesday, May 25 – Wednesday, July 13
Time:
6:30pm-9:30pm
Location:
TBD
Instructor:
Rehana Nathoo, rn49@nyu.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
Corporate Social Responsibility is an evolving model for corporations, organizations and entities of
varying size and purpose to pursue blended value – combining core business practices with scalable
social impact. This course explores the multiple platforms to pursue blended value, a deep dive into
financial institutions and their relationship with CSR, the utility of social finance platforms, impact
evaluation and measurement, tools for cross sector collaboration and the forward-looking trends for CSR.
This course looks specifically at how CSR is employed and practiced today, and how Social Finance has
helped to elevate this field. Learning will be interactive and requires your participation. You will be
expected to hand in a final paper along with a midterm assignment.
COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Students who complete this course will be able to:
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Understand multiple strategies within CSR, specifically Social Finance and blended value
Discuss current trends – corporate philanthropy, SRI, thought leadership and community
development
Understand the role for cross sector collaboration and partnerships
Apply learning to practical experience, including an in-depth case study examining the
applicability of multiple CSR strategies
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Prompt attendance is expected at all classes. If there are extenuating circumstances requiring students to
be late, they are required to (a) alert instructor in advance and (b) arrange with another student to debrief
on the missed content.
Students are expected to actively participate at each interactive session and to have prepared discussion
questions in advance. The syllabus includes a list of required preparatory reading to be completed prior to
each class. Assignments must be submitted on time. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed
with instructor well in advance.
Syllabus: Summer 2016
Page 1 of 5
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
Please note that class participation and attendance both reflect a portion of your grade, and every effort
should be made to satisfy both.
ASSIGNMENTS
Mid-Term Assignment: By this point we have discussed three primary modalities of CSR – Corporate
Philanthropy, Social Finance (including SRI, Impact Investing and others), and Thought Leadership.
Based on what you’ve learned about each, and incorporating independent research, which of these
modalities do you think offers the best solution for companies in the 21 st century, and why? Discuss the
pros and cons of your strategy of choice and identify how this strategy helps offset risks posed by
particular trends (i.e. climate change, political turmoil, emerging market performance, natural resource
constraints, etc.). The purpose of this exercise is to think critically on how CSR strategies will help
companies protect against long term risks and preserve value. 5 pages double-spaced
Final Assignment: You must select an existing corporation and identify the parameters of their existing
CSR strategy. It should be critiqued using information garnered from lecture content, discussions and
readings. Your paper should include identifying the strategy, articulating challenges and opportunities,
demonstrating comprehension around the selected approach and making recommendations for
improvement and refinement. As a consultant to this corporation, what strategy and/or changes in
strategy would you recommend to the corporation you studied? The paper should reference and use
class discussion/guest lecturers, readings and outside sources as a resource. 7 pages double-spaced
Each paper must meet the professional standards expected of graduate students: (a) a well-reasoned
analysis, (b) systematically organized, (c) methodologically sophisticated, and (c) concisely wellwritten. The instructor will neither accept “laundry lists” of the many lessons learned nor papers lacking
lucid, well-ordered, reader-friendly structure. Conveying complex concepts in a tight, coherent and
compelling fashion is a critical skill for effective communication in the field of CSR.
DUE DATES
June 15
Midterm paper due
June 29
Final day for topic selection for final paper
July 13
Final paper due
GRADING AND ASSESSMENT
Student grades will be based the following:
Attendance, class preparation and informed participation
20%
Mid-Term Assignment
30%
Final Assignment
50%
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
STUDENTS WITH DISSABILITIES
New York University is committed to providing equal educational opportunity and participation for
students with disabilities. It is the University’s policy that no qualified student with a disability be excluded
from participating in any University program or activity, denied the benefits of any University program or
activity, or otherwise subjected to discrimination with regard to any University program or activity. More on
our Disability Policy can be found here.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
As permitted under New York University by-laws and disciplinary procedures, the faculty of the Wagner
Graduate School of Public Service adopts procedures for informal resolution of complaints and for cases
of formal student discipline. The procedures described in the Academic Oath.
May 25, 2016
Overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
 Review the course syllabus and discuss assignments
 Provide an overview of the evolution of CSR and identify key stakeholders
Required Readings:
 Raegan, Chase, and Karim, “Why Every Company Needs a CSR Strategy and How to Build
It,” Harvard Business School, April 2012
http://www.hbs.edu/faculty/Publication%20Files/12-088.pdf
 Porter & Kramer, “Creating Shared Value: How to reinvent capitalism – and unleash a
wave of innovation and growth,” HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW, January 2011,
https://hbr.org/2011/01/the-big-idea-creating-shared-value
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Cone, “What Purpose Will Look Like,” Edelman, February 2014
http://www.edelman.com/post/what-purpose-will-look-like-in-2014/
Karnani, “The Case Against Corporate Social Responsibility,” The Wall Street Journal,
August 2010
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703338004575230112664504890
June 1, 2016
Modalities of CSR – Corporate Philanthropy, Socially Responsible Investing, and
Thought Leadership/Communications
 Understand the CSR spectrum, commonalities across strategies, and when each is most
effective
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
Required Readings:
 Thorpe, “Corporate Philanthropy Programs Are Diverse and Creative: Get Ideas Here,”
Forbes, October 2013
http://www.forbes.com/sites/devinthorpe/2013/10/10/corporate-philanthropy-programs-arediverse-and-creative-get-ideas-here/
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UN PRI, “What is responsible investment?” Principles for Responsible Investment
http://2xjmlj8428u1a2k5o34l1m71.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wpcontent/uploads/1.Whatisresponsibleinvestment.pdf
European CEO, “Corporate social responsibility: the ultimate marketing tool,”
EuropeanCEO, February 2015
http://www.europeanceo.com/home/corporate-social-responsibility-the-ultimatemarketing-tool/
GAP Case Study (please review and prepare to answer questions)
June 8, 2016
Deep Dive: The Social Finance Platform – SRI, ESG, and Blended Value
 Understand the role of Social Finance in pursuing blended value within CSR
 Discuss details around Social Finance as it specifically relates to financial systems and/or
financial institutions
Required Readings:
 Domini, “Investing with Purpose: The Evolution of Socially Responsible Investment,”
Huffington Post, November 2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-domini/investing-with-purposeth_b_4251242.html
 Dunne, “Socially Responsible Investing Moving from Upstream to Mainstream,”
Huffington Post, June 2013
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacqui-dunne/socially-responsibleinve_b_3462074.html
 Caplan, Griswold, and Jarvis, “From SRI to ESG: The Changing World of Responsible
Investing,” Commonfund Institute, September 2013
http://www.commonfund.org/InvestorResources/Publications/White%20Papers/White
paper_SRI%20to%20ESG%202013%200901.pdf
 BSR, “Trends in ESG Integration in Investments,” Business for Social Responsibility,
August 2012
http://www.bsr.org/reports/BSR_Trends_in_ESG_Integration.pdf
 Richardson, “Corporate Finance and Environmentally Responsible Business,” Carnegie
Mellon University, 2005 (available via NYU database)
http://ezproxy.library.nyu.edu:3350/collection/authorizedshow?id=icr_2005_0002_000
0_0079_0100&pdfname=icr_2005_0002_0000_0089_0110.pdf&file_type=pdf
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
June 15, 2016
Measuring Impact
Mid-Term Assignment Due
 Understanding what CSR measurement entails, existing opportunities and challenges
 Exploring different measurement tools and innovations recently launched that address
the measurement gap
Required Readings:
 Lemon, Roberts, Raghubir, and Winer, “Measuring the Effects of Corporate Social
Responsibility,” The Conference Board, 2011
http://www.conference-board.org/retrievefile.cfm?filename=TCB%20DN-V3N711.pdf&type=subsite
 Environmental Leader, “GE, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Nike cut from DJSI World,”
September 2014
http://www.environmentalleader.com/2014/09/12/ge-mcdonalds-starbucks-nike-cutfrom-djsi/
 Silverman, “A New Index Measures Impact Pharma Has on Infectious Diseases,” January
2015
http://blogs.wsj.com/pharmalot/2015/01/23/a-new-index-measures-impact-pharmahas-on-infectious-diseases/
 Robecosam, “What is measured is not managed,” September 2013
http://www.sustainability-indices.com/images/RobecoSAM_Insight_09_2013_en.pdf
 Montiel and Deglado-Ceballos, “Defining and Measuring Corporate Sustainability: Are
We There Yet?” Organization and Environment, April 2014 (available via SAGE journals)
June 22, 2016
Cross-Sector Collaboration and Partnerships
 Understand the roles of cross-sector collaboration, specifically working with government
 Review current trends and opportunities bridging the public and private sector
 Deep Dive: Social Impact Bonds
Required Readings:
 Harvard University, “The Role of the Private Sector in Expanding Economic Opportunity
through Collaborative Action,” October 2007
http://www.hks.harvard.edu/mrcbg/CSRI/publications/report_29_Harvard%20EO%20Dialogue%20Summary%2020071
018.pdf
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
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Global Compact, “The Role of Governments in Promoting Corporate Responsibility and
Private Sector Engagement in Development,” 2010
http://www.vub.ac.be/klimostoolkit/sites/default/files/documents/role_of_governmen
ts_in_csr.pdf
Social Finance US, “SIB One Pager,”
http://socialfinanceus.org/sites/socialfinanceus.org/files/Social%20Finance%20Fact%20
Sheet.pdf
Chaklader and Gautam, “Efficient Water Management through Public-Private
Partnership model: An experiment in CSR by Coca Cola India,” Vikalpa, December 2013
(available via NYU database)
http://www.vikalpa.com/pdf/articles/2013/10-Notes_Commentaries.pdf
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Fresno SIB Case Study (please review and prepare to answer questions)
June 29, 2016
CSR: What’s Wrong with It?
Topic Selection Submitted
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Continue our discussion of the Fresno SIB case study
Discuss current criticisms of CSR and challenges
Required Readings:
 Bliss, “Shareholder Value and CSR: Friends or Foes,” CFO, February 2015
http://ww2.cfo.com/risk-management/2015/02/shareholder-value-csr-friends-foes/
 Zevin, “Socially Responsible Investing: Whence Did We Come? And Whither Are We
Going?” Huff Post Business, September 2012
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-zevin/socially-responsibleinvesting_b_1858191.html
 Rangan, Chase and Karim, “The truth about CSR,” Harvard Business Review, January
2015 (available via NYU database)
http://ezproxy.library.nyu.edu:15491/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=18cfa8b1-c799470e-bd1b-457022b7d6a2%40sessionmgr4001&vid=1&hid=4207
July 6, 2016
What’s Next? The Future of CSR
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Identify new and innovative CSR strategies and possibilities
Engage in a constructive conversation about how future innovations can address
challenges to-date
Required Readings:
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – DEFINING MODELS AND UNDERSTANDING PARTNERSHIPS
THROUGH SOCIAL FINANCE
PADM-GP 2127
Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
New York University
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Bishop, “CSR: What is the future?” Care Insights, September 2014
http://insights.careinternational.org.uk/development-blog/private-sectorengagement/corporate-social-responsibility-what-is-the-future-of-csr
McPherson, “Why CSR’s Future Matters to Your Company,” Harvard Business Review,
January 2012
https://hbr.org/2012/01/why-csrs-future-matters-to-you/
World Business Council for Sustainable Development, “Vision 2050: The New Agenda for
Business,” 2011.
http://www.wbcsd.org/pages/edocument/edocumentdetails.aspx?id=219
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Houghton, Gabel, and Williams, “Connecting the Two Faces of CSR: Does Employee
Volunteerism Improve Compliance,” Journal of Business Ethics, 2008 (available via NYU
database)
http://ezproxy.library.nyu.edu:15491/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e485c0a3-6a69-463ab06b-8c4c57e0ae15%40sessionmgr4003&vid=1&hid=4207
July 13, 2016
Final Class: Guest Speaker
Final Paper Due
Syllabus: Summer 2016
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