The course provides a solid foundation for understanding why human rights are important in business and how business impacts human rights. The course introduces learners to the global business environment, both business actors and non-business actors (NGOs etc) and how business is formed around and conducted in networks and ecosystems. We continue the discussion on the role of the state, civil society, NGOs, international organizations and other institutions, customers and employees to explore the relationship between human rights and the global business context. We discuss the role of customers and consumers and expectations to comply with human rights policies, and briefly explore the link between human rights and social activism and its implications for business. During the course we will work on cases that demonstrate how companies proactively address human rights issues.
Learning goals:
After a completed course the learner can
- Outline how business links to human rights issues in a globalized world
- Identify how companies manage their human rights impact in their wider business network and/or business ecosystem
Teacher and contact:
Teacher: Irene Kujala (irene.kujala@abo.fi)