Certificate course in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Communications
Duration: 30 hours
Mode: Hybrid; Spread over eight weeks
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Class size: 15-25
This course is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively communicate CSR initiatives, engage stakeholders, and enhance the organization's reputation as a socially responsible entity:
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Introduction to CSR: An overview of the concept of corporate social responsibility, including its importance, principles, and evolving trends.
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CSR Strategy and Planning: Developing a CSR communication strategy aligned with organizational values, business objectives, and stakeholder expectations.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Techniques for identifying, prioritizing, and engaging with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, NGOs, government agencies, and local communities.
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CSR Reporting and Disclosure: Understanding the principles and frameworks for CSR reporting, including GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards, and communicating CSR performance transparently to stakeholders.
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Storytelling and Messaging: Crafting compelling narratives and messages that communicate the organization's CSR initiatives, impact, and values to internal and external audiences.
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Digital Communication: Utilizing digital platforms and tools for CSR communication, including websites, social media, blogs, and multimedia content.
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Employee Engagement: Strategies for engaging employees in CSR activities, fostering a culture of corporate citizenship, and communicating the organization's CSR goals and progress internally.
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Community Relations: Building positive relationships with local communities through effective communication, community engagement initiatives, and philanthropic programs.
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Partnerships and Collaboration: Identifying opportunities for collaboration with other organizations, NGOs, government agencies, and community stakeholders to address social and environmental challenges.
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Measuring and Evaluating Impact: Methods for assessing the effectiveness and impact of CSR communication efforts, including tracking key performance indicators, collecting feedback, and using data to inform decision-making.
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Crisis Communication and Reputation Management: Strategies for managing communication during CSR-related crises or controversies, maintaining trust and credibility, and protecting the organization's reputation.
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Sustainability Communication: Strategies for communicating environmental sustainability initiatives, including carbon footprint reduction and circular economy practices.
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ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Reporting: Communicating ESG metrics, which are increasingly important to investors and stakeholders.
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SDG Alignment: Strategies for communicating how CSR initiatives align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Cause Marketing: Techniques for effectively communicating cause-related marketing initiatives.
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Cross-cultural CSR Communication: Adapting CSR communication for different cultural contexts in global organizations.
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Social Media Activism: Strategies for navigating and responding to social media activism related to CSR issues.
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CSR Innovation Communication: Communicating CSR-driven innovation and how it contributes to business growth.
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CSR Brand Integration: Strategies for integrating CSR into overall brand communication and marketing efforts.
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Employee Advocacy for CSR: Techniques for empowering employees to become CSR ambassadors.
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Ethics, Authenticity and the Legal Framework: Discussion of ethical considerations in CSR communication, authenticity in messaging, familiarization with the legal CSR framework of the country, and the importance of aligning communication with actual CSR practices and outcomes.
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Capstone Project: Final project where participants develop a comprehensive CSR communication strategy.