Corporate social responsibility, ethics, and gender diversity in higher education governance

Corporate Social Responsibility

Over the last several years, a wide variety of firms have become involved in social responsibility. This is when they are focused on activities that will help to benefit communities over the long-term. Some of the different projects that are emphasized include: juvenile crime, protecting the environment and addressing the needs of different stakeholders. This is a part of an effort that is concentrating on doing the most good possible (versus some good for various stakeholders). To fully understand what is taking place requires looking at different summaries. During this process, there will be an emphasis on: providing an introduction, explaining the theory, studying the method, discussing the results and analyzing various conclusions. Together, these elements will provide the greatest insights as to how firms are achieving a host of objectives from their social responsibility activities (including: values, ethics, philanthropy, the role of the boards of trustees, gender diversity, higher education and international governance). (Kolter, 2005, pp. 1 -- 9)

Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility

Introduction

The article that is titled Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility (n.d.) is discussing how businesses have two responsibilities. One; is to make money for their clients and to help to increase the value of their company. The second; is to ensure that they are achieving these objective in manner that is respectful of different laws and values in society. The research question is how firms are able to take these different views into account during this process. It is implied (which means that the reader has to be able to use some common sense). At the same time, the research question is entertaining. This encourages everyone to read beyond the introduction. ("Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility," n.d.)

Theory

The basic theory that they are using is based upon qualitative research. This is when actuaries will look at a wide variety of sources to determine the underlying trends. (Ely, 1991, pg. 4) the different concepts are clearly defined, with the author explaining them throughout the article. There is a clear logic that is demonstrating the underlying motivation as to why firms are becoming involved in social responsibility. The literature is reflecting ideas that are discussed in different scholarly sources. This helps to improve the accuracy of the research that is conducted. As a result, the different parts of the hypothesis make sense about the challenges impacting firms and their desire to address various issues affecting stakeholders. ("Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility," n.d.)

Method

Like what was stated previously, the basic approach that the author is using is based upon qualitative research. The variables are appropriate by focusing on different viewpoints and its impact on stakeholders. The data collection method is utilizing analytical techniques to identify the underlying trends. There is a focus on using the different sources through internal validity (in understanding the patterns of social responsibility and what shifts are taking place). The analytical techniques are applied appropriately. This is helping to support the different research questions asked throughout the study. ("Validity," 2011) ("Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility," n.d.)

Results

The results are presented in way that is understandable. This occurs through discussing the primary trends and theories. At the same time, researchers are looking at alternate ideas. As a result, this helps to adequately provide an understanding of social responsibility and how it is impacting stakeholders. ("Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility," n.d.)

Contribution

The submission is adding value by allowing everyone to see the total impact of social responsibility from different perspectives. This helps to create a better understanding of why firms are participating in these activities and their long-term effect upon the organization. The way that this is stimulating thought, is to help establish an approach of objectively evaluating the activities of corporations. This will allow an individual to decide if this program is a legitimate attempt to benefit the community or if the firm is doing this to help themselves. As a result, the authors discussed the impact of their research on different stakeholders inside the community and the long-term effect this is having on everyone. ("Introduction to Values, Ethics and Social Responsibility," n.d.)

Article Two: Social Movement and Scholarship

Introduction

The second article is focused on how activist social responsibility campaigns can change practices. The research question is focused on the motivations behind social activism. This is accomplished by focusing on the targets and how this can transform an environment. The question is interesting and it is enticing the reader to want to learn more about the subject. ("Abstract Article Two," n.d.)

Theory

The paper has a well-developed theoretical framework that is focused on several different areas to include: the firm identity, activist campaigns and threats. The concepts are clearly defined and explained. There is logic that is used throughout the article, with a focus on critical references that will support key ideas. As a result, the hypothesis is working off established theories. ("Abstract Article Two," n.d.)

Method

The method of collecting data is based upon the middle range theory. This is when historical comparisons are made utilizing different case studies. The samples and variables are appropriate in helping to support the study. The data collection method is using analytical techniques to understand the various sources that are examined. External validity is helping actuaries to objectively evaluate what is occurring. As a result, the theory and research questions are applied appropriately. ("Abstract Article Two," n.d.) (Boudin, 1001, pp. 519 -- 522)

Results

The results are reported in a way that helps to increase understanding in how social activism is influencing organizations. This is accomplished by examining different variables that were identified during the process in conjunction with each other to include: the relevant actor, the type of activist strategy, the primary audience of the event, the level of the event and the nature of the target. The combination of these factors is controlled to help provide a better explanation for a host of events. ("Abstract Article Two," n.d.)

Contribution

The submission is providing a value added solution for everyone to see the impact of social activism. This is helping to stimulate the thought process as to what is possible using this approach. As a result, the authors are discussing how this can be applied in a practical environment. This is accomplished by: examining different propositions and talking about how a particular solution can benefit stakeholders over the long-term. ("Abstract Article Two," n.d.)

Article Three: The Board of Trustees Role in Corporate Governance

Introduction

This article is discussing the role of the board of directors in corporate governance. What actuaries determined, is that very little is known about their activities or what kinds of polices are used to protect the interests of stakeholders. This is the focus of the research question by emphasizing how the board can become more involved in the process. As a result, the question is interesting and it is encouraging the reader to learn more about the subject matter. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Theory

The theoretical framework is clear by concentrating on: the composition of the board and diversity. This helps to provide clearly defined concepts that are well discussed throughout the study that is being conducted. Once this takes place, is when logic is easy to follow (which helps to increase the persuasiveness of the arguments). At the same time, a host of different sources are citied to help add credibility to the ideas. This makes it easy to see the connection between the hypothesis and the facts that are being presented. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Method

The basic method that is being utilized is the resource dependence theory. This is when there is a focus on using different sources to understand the various trends and specific insights (which are interconnected with each other). The samples and the data collection methods are consistent with this approach. As these ideas are used to help create a foundation in understanding how the study was conducted. There is an emphasis on using external validity during this process. The combination of these factors is showing how the theory and research questions were applied properly. ("Resource Dependence Theory," 2011) ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Results

The results were reported in a way that helped to provide practical ideas that can increase the independence of the board. The different areas that were focused on include:

Institutions with low autonomy and decentralized governance structures will have high gender diversity on their boards.

Institutions with high autonomy and system or state governance structures will have low gender diversity on their boards.

Institutions with low autonomy and system or state governance structures will have moderate gender diversity on their boards.

Institutions with high autonomy and decentralized governance structures will have moderate gender diversity on their boards. There are limitation that are discussed and how this can be accounted for. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

The combination of these elements is showing how the results are illustrating actionable steps that can be taken. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Contribution

The authors are making a major contribution by focusing on areas that have received limited amounts of study. This is helping to create new ideas about how a more diversified and active board of directors can help to improve social governance. As a result, there is discussion in how these ideas can be utilized in future studies (to help understand the challenges facing firms). ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Article Four: The Social Identity Theory

Introduction

This article is focused on how the social identity theory can be used to by firms (who are in strategic alliances) to change their governance structure. In this case, there is no clear research question that is provided. Instead, the author will focus on using a series of observations to achieve the same objectives. This is interesting enough to encourage the reader to want to learn more about the subject. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Theory

The basic theory that is used is the social identity approach. This is when firms will follow the different practices of partners by implementing various polices and provisions (to create new operating procedures). The concepts are clearly defined through a series of different hypothesis that will be examined during this process. This helps to improve the ability to logically follow the authors thinking and steps that utilized. To support these claims, there are different sources that are cited throughout the article. As a result, this makes it easy to follow the logic from the actual facts to the presentation of a hypothesis. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Method

The basis method that is used is to conduct an independent study that is focused on 483 alliances and their long-term impact. This is appropriate and it helps to add validity of the study that is being conducted. The data collection methods are consistent with analytical techniques by looking at how each alliance impacts the various partners. This is accomplished through utilizing internal validity. As a result, there are no other alternate theories or techniques that are used during this process. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Results

The results are reported in manner that is logical and is addressing the various hypotheses that have been presented. This is providing the readers with more clarity about the effectiveness of the study and the results. Once this takes place, is when they can see how alliances can influence the views of various stakeholders during the process. ("Abstract Article Three," n.d.)

Contribution

The study is providing a value added contribution. This is occurring through taking existing theories and building upon them. Then, actuaries will take their sample and compare the result of their finding with the trends that were identified. Once this occurs, is when future projects can use this as blue print for conducting their own studies. As a result, this is stimulating debate by helping everyone to see how these kinds of arraignments will impact the way firms are operating. This is highlighting, how the authors are discussing the way this can be applied on a practical basis. ("Abstract Article Four," n.d.)