DCU Institute of Ethics

The DCU Institute of Ethics is proud to announce this new Executive Programme, designed in collaboration with Prof. R Edward Freeman of the University of Virginia, Prof. Michael Hopkins (University of Geneva and MHCInternational) and Prof. Lorenzo Sacconi (University of Trento and EconomEtica, Milan) and organised in partnership with DCU Ryan Academy, Business in the Community Ireland and MHCInternational.

Why choose the Responsible Capitalism Executive Programme?

While trust in business is decreasing, businesses acting responsibly can drive value, mitigate risks and help rebuild corporate reputation:

• 72% of global corporate leaders cite “brand, trust and reputation” as the key factors driving action on sustainability issues (UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study 2010); 
• 61% of Irish CEOs believe that responsible business strategies give them a competitive advantage (Business in the Community Ireland’s 2011 CEO Survey). 

The Responsible Capitalism Executive Programme is aimed at top managers who wish to develop their understanding of how the key ideas (and management tools) of Stakeholder Theory and Business Ethics can add value to their organisation, rethinking traditional business models to create successful, responsible business. This 3-day programme will provide a highly interactive environment, enabling participants to engage in unconventional conversations with international thought leaders who will also share their experience in helping organisations to integrate ethics and the stakeholder approach into practice, worldwide.
Click here to read all the business benefits that the Programme can deliver to you and your organization.

We will challenge some conventional assumptions of the “old story about capitalism”, including its narrow focus on the firm’s purpose (“profit maximization is the only goal”), its simplistic view of human motivation and rationality (“individuals are completely self-interested”), its biased models of leadership (“carrot-and-stick”) and its poor understanding of stakeholder relationships (“only shareholders count”).

Business at its best is the most effective system of social cooperation ever invented. To this aim we need business leaders who are able to think and do business differently: Creating value for stakeholders is what, ultimately, delivers value to shareholders as well.

Below are some concepts that participants will engage with during the programme:

• Individual’s rationality cannot be reduced to a completely self-interested model: people care about other things than money, such as justice;
• Stakeholder conflicts should not be seen as problems, but as fuel for creativity and innovation
• Instead of focussing on trade-offs among stakeholder groups, managers should focus on the ‘jointness’ of stakeholder interests
• Responsible Capitalism requires a change in the Managerial Mindset, beyond compliance.

Learn more about the Responsible Capitalism Executive Programme by viewing the Programme Overview, Key Business Benefits, Faculty and Participants.

You can view the Responsible Capitalism Brochure or Apply online.

For further information please contact dr. Simone de Colle, DCU Lecturer in Business Ethics (simone.decolle@dcu.ie).

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