Opetussuunnitelmat

Objective

Corporate diplomacy has emerged as a strategic management tool that enables companies operating abroad to secure institutional roles and legitimacy akin to those traditionally associated with state diplomacy. By engaging in strategic relationship-building with a diverse set of stakeholders -including governments, NGOs, local communities, and even competitors, - corporate diplomacy extends beyond conventional business operations. It encompasses managing corporate reputation, meeting societal expectations, and navigating complex regulatory environments to bolster an organization’s influence in international markets.
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Understand the concept of corporate diplomacy, its history, and its functions in a global context.
Identify the benefits and challenges of integrating corporate diplomacy within organizations.
Analyze and apply core tools of corporate diplomacy, including intelligence, communication, and advocacy.
Evaluate stakeholder management and the creation of shared value as strategic elements in corporate diplomacy.
Design corporate diplomacy strategies to manage relationships, support corporate goals, and mitigate risks.
Apply these concepts through an in-depth case study of LaLiga, analyzing its role as a corporate diplomacy actor in global markets.

Content

The course covers corporate diplomacy definitions, functions, integration within firms, the role of network theory, stakeholder management, shared value creation, and advocacy through tools like lobbying and negotiation, with continuous attention to LaLiga as a key case study.

Teaching methods

Lectures combined with case studies, group exercises, and debates. Active learning through real-world business cases, role-play, and practical exercises.

International connections

This course emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications of corporate diplomacy principles, integrating theoretical insights with practical training. Throughout the course, students will engage directly with real case studies, including an in-depth exploration of LaLiga as a corporate diplomacy actor and other ongoing examples.
Each session includes short activities and/or assignments that require students to apply specific corporate diplomacy tools (e.g., intelligence analysis, stakeholder mapping, negotiation planning) to real-world scenarios. These assignments not only build practical skills but also encourage students to think critically about the challenges and opportunities associated with corporate diplomacy in diverse business contexts. In addition, the course incorporates a negotiation role-play exercise, allowing students to experience firsthand the complexities and techniques involved in corporate diplomacy negotiations.

Content scheduling

This course is taught in Summer School program from 2.6.2025 to 18.6.2025.

Evaluation scale

0-5

Arviointikriteerit, tyydyttävä (1-2)

Grade 1 (Fail):
Demonstrates minimal understanding of corporate diplomacy concepts, theories, and tools.
Shows limited engagement with case studies and fails to provide relevant or accurate examples.
Lacks coherence and clarity in arguments; does not meet minimum requirements for assignments or participation.
Little or no attempt to apply theoretical insights to real-world cases, including LaLiga and other companies.

Arviointikriteerit, hyvä (3-4)

Grade 2-3 (Satisfactory):
Shows a basic understanding of key corporate diplomacy concepts and tools but lacks depth in analysis.
Provides some relevant examples, though they may be general or lack detailed connections to the course material.
Demonstrates a limited ability to analyze and apply concepts to case studies, with partial engagement in discussions on LaLiga and other company examples.
Presents ideas with some coherence but may lack critical insight or comprehensive analysis.

Grade 4 (Good):
Demonstrates a strong grasp of corporate diplomacy concepts, with a good understanding of theories, tools, and their applications.
Applies course concepts to case studies with relevant and well-explained examples from LaLiga and other companies, showing a clear connection to the real-world implications of corporate diplomacy.
Displays coherent arguments, critical thinking, and a sound ability to evaluate and interpret the roles and strategies of corporate diplomacy actors.
Actively participates in discussions, exercises, and group activities, showing initiative and engagement.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Grade 5 (Excellent):
Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of corporate diplomacy, with sophisticated insight into the theories, functions, and strategic importance of the field.
Analyzes case studies comprehensively, making nuanced connections between theoretical concepts and real-world practices, especially with LaLiga and other studied companies.
Proposes innovative and well-structured strategies in assignments, showing originality and depth in applying course tools (e.g., intelligence analysis, stakeholder management, shared value creation).
Engages actively and constructively in all activities, offering critical insights, leading discussions, and demonstrating leadership in group work.