Who is Who in VHB ProDok
Meet the lecturers of the VHB ProDok programme
Christopher Wickert is Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility at the Free University of Amsterdam (VU) and General Editor of the Journal of Management Studies. He teaches the ProDok course Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Sustainability. His research focuses on corporate sustainability and the relationship between business and society from an organisational theory perspective.
What fascinates you about corporate social responsibility?
CSR requires us to consider the role of companies in addressing the major social challenges of our time. This is exciting for researchers, who can think outside the box. It is also socially relevant because problems such as climate change will not be solved without companies and their interaction with other stakeholders.
What challenges and opportunities do you think early-career researchers face?
The German academic job market is simply difficult. The ProDok programme recognises this, offering young researchers in particular the valuable opportunity to network and exchange ideas with their peers. Although the path into academia can be rocky, I don't know anyone who has regretted it in retrospect — the profession is very fulfilling.
What inspires you?
All kinds of things! Regularly exchanging ideas with other researchers at conferences, workshops and seminars is extremely helpful, but interacting with practitioners and your own students can also inspire you to recognise and step out of your comfort zone.
And what else?
Join us for the next ProDok course Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability in 2027! As well as delving deep into the CSR literature, we will also discuss publication strategies and impactful research. We look forward to seeing you there!
Who is Who - About this campaign
VHB ProDok lecturers are distinguished by their strong research skills, internationally recognised expertise and high level of professional commitment. Most of them have been involved in the ProDok programme for many years. As part of the 'Who's Who' campaign, they share insights into their personal motivations and what participants can expect from their courses in short interviews.
The campaign aims to demonstrate that VHB ProDok offers much more than just a course programme. It is a network of dedicated scientists from the German-speaking region and beyond who prioritise sound research, methodological quality and collaborative exchange.