This week in Professor Gupta’s academic course on Corporate Social Responsibility we had a debate over whether or not corporate social responsibility was a thing. When first asked this question, my initial reaction was of course it is, corporations have a responsibility not only for shareholders, but also for employees, customers, suppliers, communities, and the environment. On the other hand, an interesting point brought up in one of our class readings was that the financial capital provided by shareholders is essential to the production of goods and services, and if shareholders of a publicly traded firm are unhappy, they can remove their resources and invest them elsewhere. While the traditional view of a corporation’s goal focuses on profit maximization for shareholders, contemporary perspectives increasingly recognize the importance of CSR for sustainable business success and other societal benefits. I found this debate to be really interesting, as it reflected the changes in societal expectations and business practices of the world today. I look forward to continuing this discussion next week. 

In Professors Swain and Gupta’s Internship Seminar this week, we discussed leadership styles and the difference between a hierarchical and egalitarian workplace. I enjoyed discussing the different leadership styles of our bosses, and I realized how different everyone’s work life here in Milan really is. For example, some of us have conversations with our boss everyday about what to do and how to do it, while others work alone with little instruction. It was interesting to discuss the stereotypes Italians have of Americans, especially how they think we do not know how to dress for the temperature. I am used to wearing shorts and flip flops everywhere in the summer, but have made an effort to be more socially aware here in Milan to try to avoid underdressing.

At work on Wednesday, I received feedback from my boss for the first time on the presentations I had been making. I had found a lot of information on different competitors we have, but it turns out my boss wanted a much similar version he will be able to look through quickly. This was disappointing to hear, as I had put a lot of time and effort into finding relevant information the last two weeks. With that being said, I understand he is busy, and I will try to sort through what I have done so far to edit out information to be more aligned with what he wants going forward. I am glad I have a better idea of what he is looking for now. My boss also invited Paige and I to an aperitivo in July, which I am very excited to attend! I am realizing more and more everyday how unique this experience with a work place in Italy truly is. 

This weekend, I took a train to Nice, France. We had a beach day on Friday and walked around the Old Town of Nice on Saturday. The water was so blue and it was great to spend some time on the beach. Although the location of the Airbnb I stayed in was a little bit far from Old Town, it was a quieter area with great restaurants and it was a 5 minute walk to the coast to go for a swim. On Sunday, I took a train from Nice to Monte Carlo to walk around and see the casino and the F1 race track. I wish I had more time here to explore, but it was so cool to see some of the crazy yachts and luxury stores. This was a great weekend trip and I’m so glad I got to see both Nice and Monaco!