Mounting social and environmental pressures are reshaping the competitive landscape for companies in every industry. In today's world, companies are expected to embrace a social purpose beyond profit and consider the welfare of all stakeholders. For corporate leaders, the message is clear: companies that create Shared Value by addressing societal challenges as part of their core strategy achieve a competitive advantage.

This live online program will prepare you to meet these challenges by creating Shared Value, a concept that connects economic performance with social progress. Led by faculty cochairs Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer, the program will show you how to move beyond corporate social responsibility and sustainability reports to develop an authentic social purpose and shift your company's strategy to create Shared Value. You will discover how to positively impact social issues in a way that delivers a stronger competitive position and better bottom-line results.

You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Creating Shared Value: Competitive Advantage Through Social Impact.

Summary

You may also be interested in the related in-person program: Creating Shared Value: Competitive Advantage Through Social Impact.

Key Benefits

This virtual program will help you to rethink your competitive positioning and business model; change how you adapt to social and environmental pressures; equip you to integrate Shared Value into your strategy and operations; and prepare you to satisfy new expectations from investors and other stakeholders. A new component in 2020 will address the role of companies in advancing racial equity. You will emerge inspired and ready to drive change in your organization that leads to stronger financial performance, motivated employees, and meaningful social progress.

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Strengthen your competitive advantage Strengthen your competitive advantage

Develop a social-value proposition as a source of competitive differentiation
Find opportunities for growth and profitability that competitors have overlooked
Realign your competitive positioning with positive social outcomes

Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends

Establish a corporate purpose that drives shareholder value by addressing social or environmental challenges
Identify new opportunities for innovation by transforming social challenges into business opportunities
Adapt your business model to succeed under today's social and environmental pressures
Assist to overcome structural racism and advance racial equity through your operations and strategy
Design ecosystem innovations that improve your competitive context

Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy

Identify and drive organizational changes that create Shared Value
Rally employees around your company's purpose and goals
Rethink your operations and strategy to overcome social and environmental obstacles

Discover creative ways to drive positive change Discover creative ways to drive positive change

Emulate the actions of high-performing companies that have embraced Shared Value
Build effective public-private partnerships with leaders from the government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors
Increase the value and improve the effectiveness of your corporate social responsibility and philanthropic initiatives

Address new expectations from the investment community Address new expectations from the investment community

Understand how investors perceive Shared Value as a driver of financial performance
Learn how to translate social impact into shareholder value to improve stock performance
Move beyond investing based on social responsibility or environmental, social, and governance factors, and use Shared Value to deliver Alpha

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Strengthen your competitive advantage

Develop a social-value proposition as a source of competitive differentiation
Find opportunities for growth and profitability that competitors have overlooked
Realign your competitive positioning with positive social outcomes

Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends

Establish a corporate purpose that drives shareholder value by addressing social or environmental challenges
Identify new opportunities for innovation by transforming social challenges into business opportunities
Adapt your business model to succeed under today's social and environmental pressures
Assist to overcome structural racism and advance racial equity through your operations and strategy
Design ecosystem innovations that improve your competitive context

Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy

Identify and drive organizational changes that create Shared Value
Rally employees around your company's purpose and goals
Rethink your operations and strategy to overcome social and environmental obstacles

Discover creative ways to drive positive change

Emulate the actions of high-performing companies that have embraced Shared Value
Build effective public-private partnerships with leaders from the government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors
Increase the value and improve the effectiveness of your corporate social responsibility and philanthropic initiatives

Address new expectations from the investment community

Understand how investors perceive Shared Value as a driver of financial performance
Learn how to translate social impact into shareholder value to improve stock performance
Move beyond investing based on social responsibility or environmental, social, and governance factors, and use Shared Value to deliver Alpha

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by connecting and working with accomplished executives from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

Senior corporate executives engaged in corporate strategy, new business development, and operations management, such as chief executive officers, chief operating officers, chief financial officers, chief strategy officers, board members, senior vice presidents, executive directors, managing directors, heads of divisions or business units, and heads of sustainability
Investment professionals, including those who work in shareholder relations
Corporate, nonprofit, or government leaders interested in forging strategic business partnerships or leaders that have worked across all three sectors
Business academics who are interested in shifting mindsets about the strategic importance of creating Shared Value
Not appropriate for: Executives engaged solely in corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, or community relations, unless they are strategically integrated with the organization or attend the program with executive colleagues from strategy or operations

To accelerate organizational change, teams of executives are encouraged but not required.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 2 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Who Should Attend

Senior corporate executives engaged in corporate strategy, new business development, and operations management, such as chief executive officers, chief operating officers, chief financial officers, chief strategy officers, board members, senior vice presidents, executive directors, managing directors, heads of divisions or business units, and heads of sustainability
Investment professionals, including those who work in shareholder relations
Corporate, nonprofit, or government leaders interested in forging strategic business partnerships or leaders that have worked across all three sectors
Business academics who are interested in shifting mindsets about the strategic importance of creating Shared Value
Not appropriate for: Executives engaged solely in corporate social responsibility, philanthropy, or community relations, unless they are strategically integrated with the organization or attend the program with executive colleagues from strategy or operations

To accelerate organizational change, teams of executives are encouraged but not required.

Program for Leadership Development participants earn 2 PLDA Points on completion of this program.

Leaders in Virtual Learning

When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

head and shoulder images of people in polygon shapes connected to a laptop with the HBS shield in the center

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Bharat N. Anand teaching in athe HBS Online classroom

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Leaders in Virtual Learning: When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live, synchronous program sessions you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Virtual Programs for Agile Organizations

Help your organization understand why there is no better time to prioritize learning & development.

Learn More

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

Understanding the Benefits of Our Virtual Programs

Four participants of our live online programs share their experiences.

Read Their Stories

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, e-books, and online case materials. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 14 days before the program start date to receive a full refund. Cancellations received 7 to 14 days before the program start date are subject to a payment of 50 percent of the program fee. Requests received within 7 days of the program start date are subject to full payment of the program fee.

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

Featuring faculty presentations, case studies, guest speakers, and guided discussions, the Creating Shared Value program offers a rich learning experience that emphasizes practical application. In addition to hearing firsthand from CEOs who have successful integrated Shared Value into their companies, you will explore cases about innovative global organizations.

What You Will Learn: Featuring faculty presentations, case studies, guest speakers, and guided discussions, the Creating Shared Value program offers a rich learning experience that emphasizes practical application. In addition to hearing firsthand from CEOs who have successful integrated Shared Value into their companies, you will explore cases about innovative global organizations.

Program Format

The program takes place over two weeks, with live, synchronous classes from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, including a 15-minute break and one-hour discussion groups. Class sessions will take place via the Zoom platform. In addition, participants can expect to spend five hours per week for asynchronous, self-paced work.

Collaborative learning is an integral part of the experience. To maximize the benefit for everyone, you are expected to attend every session, complete all assignments, and contribute effectively in the class and in small groups.

Program Format

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Designing a Shared Value strategy Designing a Shared Value strategy

Identifying and analyzing unmet needs in society and the environment
Entering underserved markets to gain a strategic advantage
Increasing productivity in your value chain through new approaches to purchasing, resource utilization, logistical methods, and workforce practices
Strengthening the business environment in the locations where your company operates

Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission

Analyzing the implications of Shared Valued for your corporate portfolio and priorities
Conceiving and launching new offerings to address social challenges
Ensuring that employees understand and believe in your purpose
Exploring opportunities to positively impact the communities in which you serve

Implementing Shared Value across the organization Implementing Shared Value across the organization

Transitioning from a conventional business model to a Shared Value business model
Developing the necessary strategies, structures, and incentives to innovate and support Shared Value
Measuring and reporting the social and business benefits of Shared Value
Forging successful cross-sector partnerships to create Shared Value with other stakeholders, including governments and nonprofit organizations

Addressing investor needs and expectations Addressing investor needs and expectations

Understanding how Shared Value impacts core investment analysis and investors' perceptions about your organization
Recognizing the role of Shared Value in the financial performance of your company
Meeting new demands from the investment community to embed purpose into your organization
Effectively communicating your case for Shared Value to investors

Key Topics

Designing a Shared Value strategy

Identifying and analyzing unmet needs in society and the environment
Entering underserved markets to gain a strategic advantage
Increasing productivity in your value chain through new approaches to purchasing, resource utilization, logistical methods, and workforce practices
Strengthening the business environment in the locations where your company operates

Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission

Analyzing the implications of Shared Valued for your corporate portfolio and priorities
Conceiving and launching new offerings to address social challenges
Ensuring that employees understand and believe in your purpose
Exploring opportunities to positively impact the communities in which you serve

Implementing Shared Value across the organization

Transitioning from a conventional business model to a Shared Value business model
Developing the necessary strategies, structures, and incentives to innovate and support Shared Value
Measuring and reporting the social and business benefits of Shared Value
Forging successful cross-sector partnerships to create Shared Value with other stakeholders, including governments and nonprofit organizations

Addressing investor needs and expectations

Understanding how Shared Value impacts core investment analysis and investors' perceptions about your organization
Recognizing the role of Shared Value in the financial performance of your company
Meeting new demands from the investment community to embed purpose into your organization
Effectively communicating your case for Shared Value to investors

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

Mark R. Kramer

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

Read Full Bio

Michael E. Porter

Bishop William Lawrence University Professor

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Rebecca M. Henderson

John and Natty McArthur University Professor

HBS Units:

General Management

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Robert S. Kaplan

Senior Fellow, Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, Emeritus

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

V. Kasturi Rangan

Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

George Serafeim

Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

Mark R. Kramer

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration

Read Full Bio

Michael E. Porter

Bishop William Lawrence University Professor

HBS Unit:

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Rebecca M. Henderson

John and Natty McArthur University Professor

HBS Units:

General Management

Strategy

Read Full Bio

Robert S. Kaplan

Senior Fellow, Marvin Bower Professor of Leadership Development, Emeritus

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

V. Kasturi Rangan

Malcolm P. McNair Professor of Marketing

HBS Unit:

Marketing

Read Full Bio

George Serafeim

Charles M. Williams Professor of Business Administration

HBS Unit:

Accounting and Management

Read Full Bio

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

Mark R. Kramer

Faculty Cochair

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

Mark R. Kramer

Faculty Cochair

Need Help? Contact Us:

Program Advising team

Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Related Programs

Explore All Programs Download Program Calendar

Explore All Programs Application PDF

Creating Shared Value—Virtual

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

Summary

Summary

DetailsExpand AllCollapse All

Strengthen your competitive advantageStrengthen your competitive advantage Dropdown up

Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trendsAdapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends Dropdown up

Develop and implement a Shared Value strategyDevelop and implement a Shared Value strategy Dropdown up

Discover creative ways to drive positive changeDiscover creative ways to drive positive change Dropdown up

Address new expectations from the investment communityAddress new expectations from the investment community Dropdown up

Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network Dropdown up

Strengthen your competitive advantage

Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends

Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy

Discover creative ways to drive positive change

Address new expectations from the investment community

Expand your personal and professional network

Who Should Attend

Who Should Attend

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Leaders in Virtual Learning

Admissions Criteria and Process

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

Answering Your Questions

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

What You Will Learn

Program Format

Program Format

Key TopicsExpand AllCollapse All

Designing a Shared Value strategyDesigning a Shared Value strategy Dropdown up

Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and missionBuilding purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission Dropdown up

Implementing Shared Value across the organizationImplementing Shared Value across the organization Dropdown up

Addressing investor needs and expectationsAddressing investor needs and expectations Dropdown up

Designing a Shared Value strategy

Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission

Implementing Shared Value across the organization

Addressing investor needs and expectations

The HBS Advantage

The HBS Advantage

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

"Understanding how Shared Value can shape your competitive positioning gives you a tremendous competitive edge."

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Strengthen your competitive advantage Strengthen your competitive advantage

Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends Adapt to industry changes and emerging societal trends

Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy Develop and implement a Shared Value strategy

Discover creative ways to drive positive change Discover creative ways to drive positive change

Address new expectations from the investment community Address new expectations from the investment community

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Designing a Shared Value strategy Designing a Shared Value strategy

Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission Building purpose into operations, strategy, culture, and mission

Implementing Shared Value across the organization Implementing Shared Value across the organization

Addressing investor needs and expectations Addressing investor needs and expectations