About this course: In this course we will be discussing the emergence of a new story about business. This new story locates business within a societal framework. Almost every business creates or destroys value for customers, suppliers, employees, communities and society, in addition to shareholders and other financiers. A number of new models of business can be built on this idea such as corporate responsibility, philanthropy, shared value and sustainability. Profits and stakeholder value go together, and this course explains how. The final session explores the idea of how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur and create a business that makes money and makes the world a better place.
Created by: University of Virginia
Taught by: R. Edward Freeman , University Professor; Elis and Signe Olsson Professor of Business Administration
Darden School of Business
| Commitment | 4 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week |
| Language | English, Subtitles: Portuguese (Brazilian) |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
Business in Society: The Problem
We will begin the course learning the dominant story of business and discussing the four flaws in the dominant story. We will learn about the global financial crisis and how a new story is now emerging.
6 videos, 1 reading
Graded: Business in Society: The Problem
WEEK 2
Corporate Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility
In our second module, we discuss both the histories and current issues surrounding corporate philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and the environmental crisis.
7 videos
Graded: Corporate Responsibility, Philanthropy and Building Sustainable Value: The Role of Capitalism in Society
WEEK 3
Creating Value for Stakeholders
In our third module, we look at the stakeholder approach to business, it's purpose and what it looks like to create value for stakeholders.
7 videos
Graded: Creating Value for Stakeholders
WEEK 4
Becoming a Stakeholder Entrepreneur
We close the course by learning how to become a stakeholder entrepreneur by discussing specific examples. This module concludes with an opportunity for what your next steps might be as a stakeholder entrepreneur.
6 videos
Graded: Becoming a Stakeholder Entrepreneur
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, and located on a World Heritage site in Charlottesville, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to help shape the future of the nation. The University is public, while nourished by the strong support of its alumni. It is also selective; the students who come here have been chosen because they show the exceptional promise Jefferson envisioned.
Pricing
| Audit | Purchase Course | |
|---|---|---|
| Access to course materials | Available | Available |
| Access to graded materials | Not available | Available |
| Receive a final grade | Not available | Available |
| Earn a shareable Course Certificate | Not available | Available |
Ratings and Reviews
Educational and informative lectures. Highly recommended.
This course promotes a very important reflexion about where the society is going to. Very good questions to think about. The course and the teacher, which demonstrates to have mastery about the subject, are just inspiring.
New Models of Business in Society is a very good way to understand what is coming now in business and why and how we can achieve it. Thanks prof. Freeman!
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Excellent course! I have confirmed so many thoughts about how we can see the world... Very powerful, and consistent theme. Im glad to completed it.