New Page Center ethics module provides in-depth look at shareholder activism

July 24, 2023 • Jonathan McVerry

The 15th ethics module added to the Page Center's online Public Relations Ethics Training program is a detailed look at shareholder activism, activist campaigns, and strategies that respond to shareholder activism. The module, “Shareholder activism as a force for good,” is the third in the Page Center’s series of scholar-made modules focusing on activism in public relations.

Students who complete the module will gain an understanding of key concepts within the shareholder activism topic, including corporate governance, fund management, corporate social responsibility, diversity, equity and inclusion and more. Like the other 14 modules, the shareholder activism module consists of assessments, case studies, lessons, videos and more. Each item provides a unique overview of timely and relevant topics facing companies involved in activist-related initiatives.

“The effects of shareholder activism are generally positive,” said module developer Alexander Laskin. “Perhaps what’s good for society is also good for corporations and their shareholders.”

Laskin, professor of strategic communication at Quinnipiac University, says these lessons are needed to address a topic that lacks proper attention – both in the classroom and boardroom.

“Shareholder activism is an often ignored type of activism in public relations education that nevertheless is a growing force for good,” said Laskin. “Study after study documents that corporations experience above normal increase in their share price after being targeted by shareholder activists.”

The module's case studies cover two recent, newsworthy events – the call for Harvard University to divest in fossil fuels and Tesla’s eight shareholder proposals in 2022. The case studies cover the stories and takeaways in detail, and they conclude with in-class or at-home activities to get students thinking and reflecting on each issue.

To learn more and to access the course, visit: pagecentertraining.psu.edu.

The Page Center’s ethics training modules include 15 public relations-based modules covering ethics in public relations, ethical decision making and many more important topics. The modules provide professors and students with a free way to incorporate hands-on public relations learning into the classroom. Thousands of students have already completed the module with positive results and feedback from students and instructors.