Sustainable Communication Strategy (5 cr)

Learning outcomes

The student is able to:
- explain the importance of communicating sustainability in organisations
- elaborate upon how to engage stakeholders by showing the organisation’s progress on sustainability commitments
- analyze and compare critically different ways of communicating sustainability
- evaluate and create sustainability communication according to ethical communication principles (clear, concise, truthful, and responsible)

Location and time

[Kenttä ei ole Laureassa käytössä]

Materials

Chatzopoulou, E., & de Kiewiet, A. 2021. Millennials' evaluation of corporate social responsibility: The wants and needs of the largest and most ethical generation. Journal of Consumer Behaviour, 20(3), 521-534.
Treen, K. M. D. I., Williams, H. T., & O'Neill, S. J. 2020. Online misinformation about climate change. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change, 11(5), e665.
Mickelsson, J., van Haren, J. J., & Lemmink, J. G. 2023. Wrinkles in a CSR story: mismatched agendas in fast fashion service brands' CSR reputation. Journal of Service Management, 34(2), 256-273.

Master's thesis: Barck, J. 2023. Communicating Sustainability Clearly and Effectively to Avoid Greenwashing: Small Slow Fashion Brands. https://www.theseus.fi/handle/10024/790960

Teaching methods

Partially automated implementation:

The studies are partly completed independently, taking into account the schedule of assignment submissions within the given deadline. In addition to the independently studied part, the studies have scheduled teaching or guidance online (Introductory lecture will be announced). Recordings of the teaching sessions can be viewed afterwards on Canvas. The studies do not involve pair or group work but peer reviewing is included. Personal feedback is given on the final assignment by the teacher.


The implementation plan is only available in English

Employer connections

The final assignment includes a development task. The student will use a suggested framework for evaluating an organisation's sustainability communication

Exam schedules

According to section 18 of the Degree Regulations, "the student must be present at the first contact session or notify the teacher in charge of his or her absence in order to confirm his or her participation in the studies. Alternatively, the teacher can also specify another way in which the student confirms his participation in the implementation.
The first session will be held on the 4th of March 2025 at 4.30 pm to 6.30 pm in ZOOM. Please inform the teacher if you cannot attend. Enrolment is rejected if the student does not report his/her absence from the start of his/her studies or the reason for the absence cannot be considered justified. The course includes 5 mandatory sessions. Please check the schedule.

International connections

The course is targeted at both Finnish and international students. The course material is based upon video presentations as well as peer-reviewed research articles.

Student workload

The course includes five modules. Three modules include quizzes as assignments , one module includes a short case analysis - assignment and one module a development assignment.


Module 1. Quiz 10 questions
Module 2. Short case analysis and peer review
Module 3. Quiz 10 questions
Module 4. Quiz 10 questions
Module 5. Discussion about academic articles and taking part in a short panel discussion.

Content scheduling

This course not only addresses a timely and critical issue but is also indispensable for anyone seeking to gain expertise in honest and genuine communication to foster sustainability within organizations. Throughout this course, we will explore topics such as disinformation and greenwashing, both of which involve discussions on trust, accountability, and disclosure. Additionally, we will closely examine the pivotal role played by organizational boards in the development of sustainable communication strategies. This particular aspect will be introduced in Module one, featuring optional coaching sessions that offer valuable bonus points to participants. In the upcoming sections, we will provide a more comprehensive overview of the course structure, ensuring you have a clear understanding of what to expect. Your participation in this course promises to be a rewarding and enlightening experience as we delve into the world of sustainable communication strategies.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Further information

The studies are on a Master-level (EQF 7)