University of Toronto
The 360º Corporation: Tools for Achieving Corporate Purpose
University of Toronto

The 360º Corporation: Tools for Achieving Corporate Purpose

Sarah Kaplan

Instructor: Sarah Kaplan

4,663 already enrolled

Included with Coursera Plus

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(67 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8

(67 reviews)

Beginner level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • See *how* all business models create trade-offs that impact stakeholders, and *why* it is urgent to address environmental and social challenges.

  • Learn 4 *practical* modes of action leaders can use: analyzing trade-offs, creating shared value, innovating around trade-offs, & experimentation.

  • Explore *tools* for corporate purpose, social responsibility, sustainability, ESG, CSR, ethics, corporate citizenship and stakeholder capitalism.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

8 assignments

Taught in English

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

This week, you’ll learn about what stakeholder capitalism is and why the shift from shareholder capitalism is taking place. You’ll explore the different terms—CSR, ESG, corporate purpose, sustainability, social impact, etc.—and understand how they relate to each other in considering the role of business in society. You’ll develop an understanding about why action is urgent and why traditional excuses for slow action may no longer be supportable. You will also see why achieving social responsibility and purpose is challenging. Finally, you’ll get introduced to the 4 modes of action of the 360º Corporation and see how they can be practical solutions to the social and environmental challenges facing companies today.

What's included

5 videos9 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This week, you’ll learn about stakeholder trade-offs—what they are and how you can identify them. You will develop analytical tools for seeing how every business model has trade-offs embedded in it. Understanding trade-offs is the starting point for making progress, and we call this Mode 1 action. Without knowing what the trade-offs are, it is hard to make progress. Next, you’ll learn about the most popular way of addressing trade-offs which is in creating “shared value” or win-wins (Mode 2 action). By creating a business case for action, you can rethink trade-offs to find solutions that are both good for the bottom line and good for society. You’ll see how the concept of shared value can be inspirational for leaders, but also how it may stymie more innovative solutions. You will see how the business case can sometimes backfire or allow for only incremental progress.

What's included

5 videos5 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This week, we’ll explore how innovation and experimentation can address tougher trade-offs. The way to move beyond the business case is to think about stakeholder trade-offs as opportunities and inspirations for innovative solutions (Mode 3 action). You’ll explore case examples of how companies are creating transformational innovation to solve pressing challenges. You’ll also learn about how experimentation may be a way forward when solutions aren’t immediately obvious (Mode 4 action). Finally, you’ll discover 4 kinds of mistakes that companies make when trying to pursue CSR.

What's included

3 videos4 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt

This week, we’ll turn your focus to the role of corporate governance and leadership in creating a 360º Revolution. You’ll learn about emerging trends in investor stewardship that are creating new pressures on boards of directors and CEOs. You will also explore guidelines for reforming corporate governance to match the challenges of the 21st century. Then, you’ll turn to an exploration of your own role as a leader. This course is based in the idea that you can lead from any chair, from front-line worker or supervisor to the CEO and board of directors. You will focus on the courage you will need to lead, and you will develop a “to do” list of actions you can take.

What's included

4 videos6 readings2 assignments

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (27 ratings)
Sarah Kaplan
University of Toronto
6 Courses21,477 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Business Essentials

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

Learner reviews

Showing 3 of 67

4.8

67 reviews

  • 5 stars

    86.56%

  • 4 stars

    10.44%

  • 3 stars

    1.49%

  • 2 stars

    0%

  • 1 star

    1.49%

KT
5

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2021

WT
5

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2022

DD
5

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2022

New to Business Essentials? Start here.

Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions