11^th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility

8 – 10 May 2012

Lahti University of Applied Sciences, Finland

For our 11^th conference in this series we will be visiting Finland where the conference will be held in Lahti and hosted by Lahti University of Applied Sciences. It will be organised by Faculty of Business Studies, Lahti University of Applied Sciences and in conjunction with the Social Responsibility Research Network (SRRNet).

Call for Papers

As usual the conference is intended to be interdisciplinary and welcomes contributions from anyone who has a perspective on this important issue. This time we will be focusing on one of the most urgent issues of the present. So at this conference there will be a focus on the theme of

CSR and Risk Management

In the CSR literature, Corporate Social Responsibility is often associated with the risk management. In practice, CSR has become increasingly important part of the corporate risk management. For example in The Ernst & Young Business Risk Report 2010, social acceptance risk and CSR was mentioned as one of the top 10 risks for business. From corporate risk management point of view, it is important that we do responsible things but also that we do things responsibly. Thus the conference is not focused only on risks associated with different CSR dimensions and activities but also CSR as a part of responsible management, especially a part of responsible risk management. The key question is not only how negative CSR impacts can be minimised but also how CSR opportunities can be maximised and CSR used as a value enhancing concept. Additionally there will be a special focus on the relationship between CSR, business ethics and management related criminality.

Although the conference will be focused on CSR and Risk Management, papers addressing all other areas of CSR are welcome. Thus papers are welcome on any topic related to this broad theme and suggested topics for papers include:

• Risks and different dimensions of CSR

• Risks associated with CSR activities

• CSR and business risks (e.g. compliance, financial, strategic and operational threats)

• CSR and business ethics

• Responsibility management

• CSR and management systems

• Reputation management and risk

• Corporate governance and risk management

• Risk assessment and management

• Evaluating CSR activities

• Risk communication, communicating CSR risks

• CSR reporting and risk management

• Responsibility assurance and auditing

• Risk of irresponsibility

• Relationship between CSR and corporate performance

• CSR and value creation

• CSR and management related criminality (e.g.  grey economy and corruption, white-collar crime)

Offers to run workshops, symposia, poster sessions, themed tracks or alternative events are especially welcome. Please contact Ulla Kotonen with suggestions.

Although preference will be given to full papers, abstracts of 200-500 words will also be considered. All papers and abstracts should be sent by 10^th January 2012 by email to David Crowther. No more than 2 papers will be accepted from any author.

We will publish proceedings and full details concerning other publishing opportunities for the papers presented at the conference will be provided during the conference.

Doctoral Colloquium

This year we will again be running a doctoral colloquium on one day of the conference. The aim will be to give detailed feedback to doctoral researchers concerning their papers. Feedback will be specific to each person and their research, and will be given by an experienced academic in the field. The colloquium will be an integral part of the conference and all delegates will be expected to participate fully in the conference but the sessions will give extra time to presenters – to allow for discussion and formal feedback. This colloquium will be organised by Professor Dr Güler Aras and abstracts of 200-500 words should be sent by 10^th January 2012 by email to Guler Aras. In order to allow detailed feedback full papers will be required in advance of the conference – full details will be given to participants upon acceptance.

Following the tradition established at the 6^th conference in Kuala Lumpur , a Young Academician award will be made during this colloquium.

Venue of the Conference

The conference will be held in the Lahti University. The conference fee will be announced later and will include accommodation, meals and conference materials. An optional sightseeing tour will be organised at the end of the conference; full details will be available later. We look forward to welcoming you to Finland in 2012 for the 11^th conference in the series.

Full and updated details can be found at the conference website

Dr Ulla Kotonen, Conference Chair, Lahti University, Finland                             

Professor Dr David Crowther, Chair of SRRNet, De Montfort University, UK

Professor Dr Güler Aras, Chair of SRRNet , Yildiz Technical University , Turkey