ESG and Social Activism

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/esg-social-activism

Introduction

**Course Review: ESG and Social Activism on Coursera** In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, understanding the intersection of corporate governance, social performance, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics is essential for both professionals and organizations. The "ESG and Social Activism" course offered on Coursera provides a comprehensive overview of these vital topics, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of ESG policies and social activism in corporate settings. ### Overview The course delves into various aspects of ESG ratings, corporate accountability, and the role of social activism in prompting corporate reform. By bridging the gap between optimal financial performance and ethical responsibility, this course offers insights into the modern corporate ecosystem. It emphasizes the significance of corporate authenticity and stakeholder engagement, while also examining the political dimensions that shape corporate ESG policies. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown #### Module 1 – Social Performance This introductory module lays the foundation for the course by discussing how social performance influences a corporation's self-perception and market performance. It critically analyzes contemporary ESG ratings and how they affect operational strategies. Learners gain a nuanced understanding of authenticity in corporate social responsibility; companies may face backlash if their social initiatives are perceived as mere profit-driven efforts. Furthermore, it explores the intricacies of regulatory pressure and political influence, highlighting the dual-edged nature of corporate advocacy. #### Module 2 – Social Activism and Non-Market Risk The second module focuses on the role of social activism as a catalyst for corporate social reform. It critically evaluates the positive and negative effects of activism, emphasizing that while activism can bring about necessary change, it can also disrupt markets through negative media attention. The module illustrates the importance of alignment between business strategies and social movements, detailing how corporations, particularly CEOs, can act as social activists to influence ESG policies positively. By the end of this module, participants are equipped with tools to identify risks related to social activism and develop effective partnerships with NGOs. #### Module 3 – Good Governance: Board Composition to Maximize Long-term Value This module shifts focus to corporate governance, emphasizing its crucial role in risk management and strategic planning. It discusses how to select an independent Board of Directors and implement practices that enhance board diversity, ultimately aiming to optimize long-term value for shareholders. Participants will learn how fostering an inclusive corporate culture can enhance market performance, making this module particularly relevant for those involved in governance or HR roles. #### Module 4 – Good Governance: Structures and Practices for Prioritizing ESG Performance The final module provides a deeper dive into the structures and practices of corporate boards in relation to ESG performance. It covers topics such as succession planning, the process of CEO removal, and methods of executive compensation. By addressing these complex issues, learners develop a thorough understanding of how effective governance practices can focus on ESG priorities, thereby steering the organization towards sustainable growth. ### Recommendations The "ESG and Social Activism" course is highly recommended for business professionals, corporate leaders, and anyone interested in the fields of corporate governance, sustainability, and social responsibility. Its well-structured syllabus provides a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical insights, making it invaluable for those seeking to integrate ESG principles into their organizations. Participants should expect to engage in thoughtful discussions, case studies, and real-world applications that bring the material to life. By the end of the course, you will not only gain a solid grounding in corporate ESG strategies but also become adept at navigating the challenges posed by social activism. In conclusion, if you’re looking to enrich your understanding of ESG issues and their implications for corporate governance, sign up for "ESG and Social Activism" on Coursera. This course is a proactive step towards building more responsible and sustainable organizations, making it a must-take for aspiring leaders in today’s business world.

Syllabus

Module 1 – Social Performance

In this module, you will learn about the role that social performance plays in how a corporation views itself and how it performs in the market. You will get an overview of the impact of contemporary ESG ratings and how companies balance ESG issues against its financial performance. You will examine the importance of authenticity, and how a company can face backlash if social performance is viewed as solely driven by profit. Lastly, you will discover the impact of regulation and how corporations use political influence in positive and negative ways. By the end of this module, you will have a firm understanding of the nuance within social performance, how companies respond to stakeholder concerns, and how political corruption is managed.

In this module, you will learn about contention within social activism and the role that it plays in driving corporate social reform. You will also learn about the downsides to social movements, and how they can become market disruptors if they create negative media attention for a business. Next, you will examine examples of the harmful effects of activism, and how they can have the opposite influence on a business than what was intended based on the ideological alignment of stakeholders. Lastly, you will consider corporate activism, how CEOs can take on the role of activist, and the ways that they can influence ESG policies by partnering with NGOs. By the end of this module, you will know how to identify risks within social activism in your business, and how to best ally with NGOs as part of an authentic ESG strategy.

In this module, you will learn about corporate governance and how that affects risk management and strategy. Next, you will learn how a corporation selects Directors how independence requirements are put into place to protect the interest of shareholders. You will also review best practices to strengthen the independence of the Directors and assess how to increase diversity to gain a more balanced Board of Directors. Lastly, you will discover ways to cultivate an inclusive corporate culture in ways that can improve market performance. By the end of this module, you will be familiar with governance mechanisms and how they work in large and small companies, understand how to select an independent Board of Directors, and finally, identify ways to promote diversity and inclusivity in corporate culture.

In this module, you will learn about the different structures and importance of Boards and review their functions within a business. You will then learn about the succession process within a board and how that can affect shareholders during those periods. Next, you will discover the process for removing a CEO from an organization, the reasons why that would need to occur, and how stakeholders can sometimes prompt that removal. Lastly, you will review executive compensation models, the methods of corporate control that allow a Board to make decisions that determine an organization’s future, and the instrumental role of risk management. By the end of this module, you will have a thorough understanding of Board structure, how to create and implement a succession plan for a new CEO, and how a Board exercises its control over a business.