USF St. Petersburg campus Honors Program Theses (Undergraduate)

Emma C. Jacobs

First Advisor

Rebecca Harris, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kristin Joys, Ph.D.

Publisher

University of South Florida St. Petersburg

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Date

2021

Date Issued

2021-06-01

Abstract

The burgeoning B Corp movement is transforming the global economy using the power of business to solve social, environmental, and economic problems. Higher education institutions are uniquely positioned to educate the business leaders of tomorrow on this rising method of "business unusual". Universities can play a key role in catalyzing the B Corp movement, which advocates for corporate social and environmental responsibility, accountability, and transparency. This paper describes how universities can effectively educate and prepare the next generation of changemakers through incorporating what are referred to as B Corp programs. Though they take many unique forms, university B Corp programs share the unifying goal of helping businesses earn their B Corp certification while benefiting students with a valuable experiential learning opportunity. This paper features five case studies of existing university B Corp programs including the North Carolina State University B Corp Clinic, the University of Georgia Social Innovation Focus, the University of Florida Business for Good Lab, the Lynn University SIMPACTS Student Consulting Group, and the recently developed Business for Good Internship at the University of South Florida. Finally, this paper discusses the lessons learned and conclusions that can be drawn from each of the university B Corp program in the hopes of highlighting best practices to facilitate the further development of successful programs.

Comments

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the University Honors Program University of South Florida, St. Petersburg June 1st, 2021.

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