Abstract:

To address increasing calls from stakeholders of all types, companies need to infuse social and environmental responsibility into their missions and strategies. More commonly referred to as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), these actions help a company ensure a more balanced approach toward meeting the needs of all stakeholders. City University of Seattle in collaboration with its Slovakian partner, Vysoka Skoka Manazmentu, has designed a graduate-level course in its MBA that addresses the need for CSR to be included in an organization’s corporate strategy and has delivered this course to cohorts in the USA and in its MBA program taught in Beijing, China. This paper addresses the commonalities and differences that were found between the American and Chinese students when teaching this CSR course. Specifically addressed are the design of the course, the materials that were selected, the ways that the course was delivered, and the perceived impact on the students. Also addressed are cultural differences and their implications for successfully teaching CSR in other international locations.

Keywords:

Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Education, China, United States, Cultural Relevance.