LIFELONG LEARNING AND SOCIAL GOOD PROPOSING AN ANALOGY M.J. (Mimi)Marrocco, PhD University of St. Michaels College Presentation at UALL March 2012

PROPOSITION: Continuing education:the university :: social responsibility:the corporation

CSR IS… The way in which a company addresses the needs of all its stakeholders today without compromising the needs of future generations

Definitions of CSR A concept whereby organizations consider the interests of customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment….beyond statutory requirements. Wikipedia A companys commitment to operating in an economically socially and environmentally sustainable manner while recognizing the interests of its stakeholders……… Canadian Business for Social Responsibility Companies deciding voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment. Commission of the European Union

I got into the field with precious little knowledge of what it was all about. It appeared to involve a great deal of work with other people, in both the (organization) and the broader community, as well as generally being among the forces for good in our society. I think I also glimpsed from the outset that it involved working with people when they are at their best. Gordon Selman

Redefining Corporate Purpose The purpose of the corporation is to harness private interests in service to the public interest....challenges to the prevailing view that corporate purpose is, first and foremost, about shareholder enrichment. Allen R. White, Corporation 2020 Emergent alliance of the willing –corporations –civil society organizations –Governments }

Continuing Education is the means whereby the University enables adults to participate in a variety of learning opportunities.

Community-University Engagement is an important trend in higher education in which Continuing Education has much to offer and much to gain. Walter Archer, University of Alberta

Continuing Education and the Public Good Previous discussions at: The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) Bud Hall – 2008 The Cue Factor

Ideology CSR is: a way of re-imagining the corporation to include the creation of shared value Continuing education is: a way of re- imagining the Idea of a University premised on the creation of shared value

More Town Less Gown Outreach & engagement Service learning Flexible course delivery (including modular and distance) On campus daycare Green initiatives Community Investment Employee Volunteerism Flexible working hours On-site daycare Green initiatives

Who Are the Stakeholders? Customers Employees Shareholders Regulators Professional Associations Media CSR involves genuine consultation with: NGOs and Not for Profits Activists and advocates Communities Elected officials The public

Comparing Structure of CSR and CE Centralized? De-Centralized? A model for your consideration

Build Vision and Support for CSR: A Critical Success Factor Examine Current CSR Systems: An Internal Assessment Implement CSR Management Systems: Long-term integration Design a CSR Structure: 9 Essential Steps CSR Management-System

Step 1 Build Vision and Support for CSR a Critical Success Factor Influence and educate various internal stakeholders with the goal of creating a broad base of support for CSR throughout the organization.

Step 2 Examine Current CSR Systems An internal Assessment Look at the whole picture – what CSR policies, programs and structures are already in place and where are the gaps

Step 3 Implement CSR Management Systems Long-term integration Embed the components of a CSR management system in to processes and programs throughout the organization

9 Steps for Designing a CSR Structure 1.Understand drivers 2.Identify key CSR issues 3.Identify and Evaluate Stakeholders 4.Identify functions that support CSR efforts 5.Analyze company systems, culture and any impending changes 6.Evaluate structural options 7.Develop a staffing plan 8.Create structure for cross-functional interaction 9.Assess process and framework for budget and resource allocation

IF: Continuing education:the university :: social responsibility:the corporation So What?

Can corporate responsibility survive tough economic times?………My answer is is a resounding yes. Because corporate responsibility isnt only about how a company spends its money; its about how it makes its money. The only way a company can survive tough economic times is by managing its financial social and environmental performance, and paying attention to all three. Gord Nixon, CEO, RBC