Corporate Responsibility and Accountability
Overview
This unit critically examines how businesses manage environmental, social and governance risks and have responded to stakeholder pressures to be more accountable for mitigating impacts on society and the environment. The unit reviews the historical evolution and development of the concept of corporate responsibility. It explores why corporate responsibility plays an increasingly important role as a core function in managing a business enterprise as well as emerging integrative models such as creating shared value. The unit also explores how business accounts for its behaviour and impact in society through reporting, measuring and management of its impacts.
Requisites
14-September-2025
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of corporate responsibility theories, models and frameworks
- Critically analyse and evaluate the key drivers behind the uptake of corporate responsibility by business
- Critically evaluate the concept of corporate responsibility and future trends in the role of the corporation and in society
- Critically evaluate and apply ethical and accountability frameworks in business
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Individual | 30 - 50% | 1,2 |
| Case Studies | Individual | 50 - 70% | 1,3,4 |
Content
- The historical evolution and development of corporate responsibility
- Theories of corporate responsibility and accountability
- Environmental, social and governance challenges and how companies mitigate environmental, social and governance risks
- Social and environmental reporting and assurance, including frameworks and models
- The role of government and policy in regulating and enabling corporate responsibility
- Future trends and developments in corporate responsibility
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.