Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON BUSINESS ETHICS AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

COURSE BACKGROUND

In an era of increasing transparency, heightened stakeholder expectations, and complex global challenges, businesses are no longer judged solely on their financial performance. There is a growing recognition that ethical conduct and a commitment to social and environmental responsibility are fundamental to long-term success, reputation, and sustainability. Consumers, employees, investors, and communities are increasingly demanding that businesses operate with integrity, contribute positively to society, and minimize their negative impacts.

Failing to adhere to ethical standards or neglecting corporate social responsibilities can lead to severe reputational damage, legal consequences, financial losses, and erosion of public trust. Conversely, businesses that embed strong ethical practices and robust CSR initiatives often experience enhanced brand loyalty, improved employee morale, access to capital, and greater resilience. This is particularly pertinent in regions like East Africa, where social development needs are pronounced, and local businesses play a crucial role in fostering equitable and sustainable growth.

ECAS Institute offers this “Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)” course to equip business leaders, managers, professionals, and entrepreneurs with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical tools to navigate complex ethical dilemmas and strategically integrate social and environmental considerations into their core business operations. This program will empower participants to build businesses that are not only profitable but also responsible, respected, and resilient.

COURSE OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand the fundamental principles and theories of business ethics and their application in decision-making.
Identify and analyze common ethical dilemmas faced by businesses and individuals in the workplace.
Define Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), trace its evolution, and understand its various dimensions.
Develop strategies for managing stakeholder relationships ethically and effectively.
Grasp the concepts of sustainability and integrate environmental and social considerations into business models.
Understand the role of ethical leadership and corporate governance in fostering a responsible organizational culture.
Design and implement basic CSR initiatives and reporting frameworks relevant to their organizational context.
Appreciate the strategic advantages of ethical conduct and strong CSR practices for long-term business value.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

This course will provide you with the critical insights and practical approaches to embed ethics and social responsibility into the very fabric of your business operations. You will learn to:

Apply ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics) to resolve real-world business dilemmas.
Recognize and respond to conflicts of interest, bribery, data privacy concerns, and other ethical challenges in various business functions (e.g., marketing, HR, finance).
Differentiate between philanthropic activities and strategic CSR, understanding how to create shared value.
Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify key groups and address their legitimate concerns.
Explore the triple bottom line (People, Planet, Profit) and its implications for sustainable business practices.
Develop a code of ethics or conduct for an organization.
Understand the role of whistle-blowing policies and ethical leadership in promoting integrity.
Identify key areas for CSR intervention relevant to your industry and local context (e.g., community development, environmental stewardship, fair labor practices).
Learn about basic CSR reporting standards and frameworks (e.g., Global Reporting Initiative – GRI).
Communicate your organization’s ethical commitments and CSR efforts effectively to internal and external audiences.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

This is a structured training course designed for engaging discussions and practical application. The program will feature a blend of expert-led lectures, intensive case studies (including examples of ethical failures and CSR successes from both global and local businesses), interactive group discussions on ethical dilemmas, and practical exercises in developing CSR strategies. Participants will be encouraged to share their own experiences and challenges, fostering a collaborative learning environment that addresses real-world business ethics and CSR complexities. The specific duration of the course will be communicated upon registration, tailored to ensure comprehensive coverage and the development of actionable insights.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course is essential for any professional who recognizes the growing importance of ethical conduct and social responsibility in contemporary business. It will particularly benefit:

Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Managers and Leaders at all levels (e.g., department heads, team leaders).
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practitioners
Human Resource Professionals
Marketing and Public Relations Managers
Legal and Compliance Officers
Risk Management Professionals
Supply Chain Managers
Business Consultants
Anyone involved in organizational decision-making that impacts stakeholders or the environment.
Students pursuing careers in business and related fields.

TRAINING MODULES

The course is structured into comprehensive modules, guiding participants through the ethical and responsible dimensions of business:

No	Module	Details
1.	Foundations of Business Ethics	This introductory module defines business ethics, explores major ethical theories, and provides a framework for understanding moral decision-making in a business context. Key Topics: What is business ethics? Ethical theories (e.g., Utilitarianism, Deontology, Virtue Ethics, Justice). Ethical relativism vs. universalism. Ethical decision-making models. The role of personal vs. organizational ethics.
2.	Ethical Challenges in Business Functions	This module delves into specific ethical dilemmas and challenges that arise across various functional areas of a business, from marketing to finance and human resources. Key Topics: Ethics in marketing and advertising (e.g., truth in advertising, consumer privacy). Ethics in finance and accounting (e.g., fraud, insider trading, transparency). Ethics in human resources (e.g., fair labor practices, diversity, harassment). Ethics in production and operations (e.g., product safety, environmental impact). Conflicts of interest and bribery.
3.	Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)	This module defines CSR, traces its historical evolution, and introduces various models and dimensions of corporate responsibility beyond legal compliance. Key Topics: Defining CSR: Evolution and changing expectations. Carroll’s Pyramid of CSR (Economic, Legal, Ethical, Philanthropic responsibilities). The business case for CSR: Benefits and challenges. Different approaches to CSR (e.g., philanthropic, strategic, shared value).
4.	Stakeholder Management and Engagement	This module focuses on identifying, understanding, and ethically managing relationships with the diverse groups that have a stake in a business’s operations and success. Key Topics: Defining stakeholders (e.g., employees, customers, investors, suppliers, communities, environment). Stakeholder identification and analysis. Ethical treatment of stakeholders. Strategies for effective stakeholder engagement and communication.
5.	Business and Sustainability	This module explores the concept of sustainability within a business context, covering environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic viability. Key Topics: The Triple Bottom Line (People, Planet, Profit). Environmental sustainability in business (e.g., carbon footprint, waste management, resource efficiency). Social sustainability (e.g., human rights, labor practices, community development). Circular economy principles.
6.	Ethical Leadership and Corporate Governance	This module examines the critical role of leadership and governance structures in fostering an ethical culture and ensuring responsible corporate behavior. Key Topics: Ethical leadership styles and their impact. Developing and implementing codes of ethics and conduct. Whistle-blowing policies and protection. Fundamentals of corporate governance and board responsibility. Creating an ethical organizational culture.
7.	Implementing and Reporting on CSR	This module provides practical guidance on how organizations can integrate CSR into their operations and effectively communicate their social and environmental performance. Key Topics: Developing a CSR strategy. Integrating CSR into business functions (e.g., supply chain, procurement). Measuring CSR impact. Introduction to CSR reporting standards and frameworks (e.g., GRI, SDGs). Communicating CSR efforts effectively to stakeholders.

TRAINING STYLE

The modules will be taught through PowerPoint presentations, and lectures and will include a case study/field visit, breakout sessions, case studies and other interactive discussion components.

The course will also include a few guest speakers, both in person and via Zoom and other online learning platforms for overseas speakers. This provides useful real-world insights alongside the more theoretical aspects of the course.

The conference faculty shall consist of experienced decision makers, as well as practitioners and representatives from established educational and research institutions active around climate change, engineering and international development. Throughout the course, theoretical presentation of concepts will be moderated and more group discussions and plenary engagements will be optimized. PowerPoint presentations will be made by facilitators and resource persons, to highlight key concepts before embarking on group work.

GENERAL NOTES

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.