Social impacts of circular economy on the labor – social responsibility
1 ects
Mari Vähäkuopus
Lapland UAS
Learning Outcomes
• The 1 ECTS study unit is designed to increase the student’s overall
understanding of social impacts and potential risks the new and emerging economies (eg. sharing economy, circular economy) has on labor.
• The student understands the global and local challenges related to decent work and ethical labor practices.
• Upon successful completion of the study unit, the student
• is able to identify the global and local challenges the new economies has on labor
• is able to identify, evaluate and prioritize the key issues behind positive or
negative social impacts of the new economies.
The description of study process
• Study each topic carefully and summarize your main fnding related to the given topic and cases. Summary (minimum) 300 word per topic.
• Submit your analysis / reflection in to the discussion board.
• Participate actively: Read and review your peers' postings. Write a review (minimum 200 word) for at least 2 of your peer’s posting in each topic.
• Remember being fair and critical, and justifying your comments.
In summary:
• At frst, summarize your analysis and post 1 analysis per topic
• Secondly, conduct a peer review: evaluate and submit 2 peer review postings per
topic
Course material
• BSR, Business for Social Responsibility (2018). Case Studies: https://www.bsr.org/en/our- insights/case-studies
• European Commission (2018). Impacts of circular economy policies on the labour market.
https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/fles/ec_2018_- _impacts_of_circular_economy_policies_on_the_labour_market.pdf
• International Institute for Sustainable Development (2018). Estimating Employment Effects of the Circular Economy.
• International Labour Organization (2018). World Employment and Social Outlook 2018 – Greening with jobs.
https://www.ilo.org/weso-greening/documents/WESO_Greening_EN_web2.pdf
• United Nation. UN’s guiding principles of business and human rights.
https://www.businessrespecthumanrights.org/en/page/340/who-is-this-guidance-for-and-why-is-i t-important#chapter1-3
• In addition each task has task specifc material giving short case examples of the topic at hands.
Definition of decent work
• The structure of work is changing thus new and emerging economies (sharing economy, circular economy etc) each have their impact on work and workforce. The defnition of decent work is now more crucial than ever since working conditions and ways of working are constantly changing - and the line between being a employee or freelance contractor is getting thinner and thinner.
• Familiarize yourself with the concept of decent work by studying the following material in depth (websites and video below):
• https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/decent-work/lang--en/index.htm
• https://youtu.be/mZpyJwevPqc
• http://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/22743/8_decent_work_and_economic%20growth_FINAL.pdf?seque nce=1&isAllowed=y
• United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 8
• The website of ILO (International Labour Organisation)
• Summarize the defnition of decent work – what is decent work? How well do you think the development targets (SDG 8) are met? In overall globally and in your home county locally?
• Describe your thoughts in 300 words and submit it to the discussion board. In addition, do not forget to conduct peer review for at least 2 of your colleagues’ postings.
Ethical Labor Practices
• Ethical Labor Practices is where companies can demonstrate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) by treating employees fairly and ethically, especially in businesses that operate globally, have different labor laws in each country. What is CSR and Ethical Labor Practises - Familiarize yourself with the defnitions by studying the following material and case study of Nike.
• What Is Corporate Social Responsibility?
• Global Labor Practices And Corporate Social Responsibility
• How Ethical is Nike?
• Summarize the defnitions and think about different ways to demonstrate ethical labor practices (including pay, health, safety and well-being, gender equality and work–life balance). Research the ways in which these issues are being addressed in your home country - give examples.
• Describe your thoughts in 300 words and submit it to the discussion board. In addition, do not forget to conduct peer review for at least 2 of your colleagues’ postings.
•
The Social Impact of Circular Economy on Labor
• Economy and working life is changing fast paced. There are new emerging
economies increasingly being referred to, and it is important to understand the impacts they have on labor.
• Get familiar how circular economy is disrupting the labor.
• International Labour Organization. (2018). World employment and social outlook 2018: Gree ning with jobs.
