Full-time MBA Program
Social Responsibility
A Catalyst for Corporate Responsibility
The Haas School's long tradition of exploring and teaching about the ethical and social responsibilities of business is headquartered in the Center for Responsible Business. Topics such as strategic corporate social responsibility, social enterprise, stakeholder engagement, and business ethics are explored in a robust series of programs and through research, teaching, and experiential learning projects.
In the core curriculum, all Berkeley MBAs are exposed to the complex issues of a corporation's role and responsibility to society beyond simply maximizing shareholder value. Additional concentrated study is available through elective courses, including an innovative strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects course in which student teams work directly with major firms on strategic, high impact CSR projects. For example, one team helped Fetzer Vineyards assess the public perception of sustainability practices in the wine industry and developed a comprehensive communications strategy based on their findings. Another team helped Nokia create a product-oriented strategy for its China CSR initiatives in the areas of Environment and Youth Development.
The Center hosts the thought-provoking Peterson Lectures Speaker Series, which brings top industry speakers, such as Altria's Chief Compliance Officer, the whistleblower from Enron, and the CEO of Clif Bar, to address corporate social responsibility topics. With the Gap Inc. CSR Scholars program, the Center provides support to full-time MBA students who demonstrate a commitment to the CSR field in their professional and educational pursuits. Berkeley MBA students are very active in this area, including fielding one of the nation's largest Net Impact Clubs, which aims to develop and inspire a network of leaders who promote innovative and socially responsible practices that succeed in the global marketplace.
