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Employee Profile

Caroline Dale Ditlev-Simonsen

Professor - Department of Law and Governance

Biography

Own website http://www.carolinedditlev-simonsen.com/

Caroline Dale Ditlev-Simonsen is Professor at BI Norwegian Business School. She has an international and comprehensive business and organizational experience in the areas of sustainability, corporate responsibility, business development in Africa, circular economy and happiness research. Previous work experience includes Project Manager, World Industry Council for the Environment, New York; Executive Officer, Norwegian Pollution Control Authority; Advisor, Kværner ASA and Vice President, Head of Community Contact, Storebrand ASA.
She has varied board experience and was a board member of WWF-Norway (World Wide Fund for Nature) from 2002 - 2008, member of Appeal Board for Norwegian Foundations (Stiftelsesklagenemda) from 2015 – 2019, member of the Norwegian Ethics Information Committee 2018 – 2019 and member of the Board of Trustees (Styremedlem) BI Norwegian Business School (2016-2020). She is also Co-Director at the BI Centre for Sustainability and Energy and Head of BI Forum for Foundations.

Ditlev-Simonsen holds a PhD in Leadership and Organization (BI Norwegian Business School), a Masters degree in Energy and Environmental Studies (Boston University) and a Bachelors degree in Business Administration (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver).

She is a popular guest lecturer at conferences and corporate events.

Research Areas
Sustainable Development, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), non-financial reporting, attitudes, behavior, change, leadership, effect evaluation of foundation contribution, happiness and communication. For an overview over her academic contribution, please see publications

Teaching Areas
Ditlev-Simonsen teaches innovation and strategy for sustainable business, circular economy and sustainable business in developing countries.

TED talk https://youtu.be/mTAa2Bm0EZM

Area of Expertise

Publications

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2024)

Acting on the Norwegian Transparency act: interpretation and implementation

De Grandis, Giovanni & Blanchard, Anne (red.). The Fragility of Responsibility : Norway’s Transformative Agenda for Research, Innovation and Business

The chapter delves into the ramifications of Norway’s Transparency Act (Åpenhetslo-ven, 2021), which was enacted on 1stof July, 2022, compelling businesses to fosterhuman rights and fair working conditions in their supply chains through enhancedtransparency. It scrutinizes the interpretation and operationalization of The Actwithin two distinct companies, employingthe Knowledge Transfer as Translation(KTT) theory–traditionally applied to knowledge transfer within corporate culture–to navigate The Act’s conversion into corporate actions. This exploration uncovers theobstacles and divergent compliance strategies among the firms, showing that TheAct’s indeterminate language and the specific resources and individuals within eachcompany lead to varied corporate reactions. Despite The Act’s objective to improvesupply chain transparency, the lack of clear norms or a unified understanding of thelegislation at this early stage results in inconsistent applications. The study also positsthat KTT offers a valuable framework for examining the enactment of not only ab-stract cultural issues but also tangible legal mandates, suggesting its broader applica-bility in legal interpretation and corporate action alignment.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2024)

Exploring the correlation between happiness and income, age gender and education. A comparative insight into Norway's current scenario

Birkeland, Kari; Bråthen, Gina & Viken, Monica (red.). Et selskapsliv : Festskrift til Tore Bråthen

Jahre, Marianne; Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale, Chao, Emmanuel, Czerwinska, Anna C & Mushi, Mary (2023)

Sustainable New Business Development in the Global South - Supply Chains and Networks

The international journal of Business and Management in Emerging Markets (IJOBMEM), 2(1)

To improve understanding of factors to take into account when developing and implementing new sustainable business opportunities in the Global South. The study uses a phenomenon-based approach. Building on three research streams – sustainable supply chain management (SSCM), the industrial network approach (INA) and sustainable entrepreneurship (SE) – this paper develops a conceptual framework and demonstrates its applicability using a relevant case study: Business Opportunities for the Opuntia cactus (prickly pear) in Tanzania. New business opportunities can be identified from three different perspectives: demand-pull, supply-push, and gaps in supply chains. The proposed framework suggests how to include all three perspectives and what factors to account for in development and implementation.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2022)

A Guide to Sustainable Corporate Responsibility. From Theory to Action.

Palgrave Macmillan.

This open access book discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by companies in an age that increasingly values sustainability and demands corporate responsibility. Beginning with the historical development of corporate responsibility, this book moves from academic theory to practical application. It points to ways in which companies can successfully manage their transition to a more responsible, sustainable way of doing business, common mistakes to avoid and how the UN Sustainable Development Goals are integral to any sustainability transformation. Practical cases illustrate key points. Drawing on thirty years of sustainability research and extensive corporate experience, the author provides tools such as a Step-by-Step strategic guide on integrating sustainability in collaboration with stakeholders including employees, customers, suppliers and investors. The book is particularly relevant for SMEs and companies operating in emerging markets. From a broader perspective, the value of externalities, full cost pricing, alternative economic theories and circular economy are also addressed.

Abord-Hugon Nonet, Guénola; Aggestam Pontoppidan, Caroline, Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale, Hermes, Jan, Lankoski, Leena, Lundberg, Sofia, Maheshwari, Sanchi, Perrotta Berlin, Maria, Sebhatu, Samuel Petros, Solitander, Nikodemus & Sundemo, Mattias (2021)

PRME Nordic Chapter

Morsing, Mette (red.). Responsible Management Education. The PRME Global Movement

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2020)

Integrering og rapportering om bærekraftsmålene i sparebankstiftelser og mottakere av støtte

Stenheim, Tonny & Birkeland, Kari (red.). Finansiell og ikke-finansiell rapportering Festskrift til Hans Robert Schwencke

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2018)

Expectations Versus Applications: Five Years with ISO 26000 in Norway

Idowu, Samuel O.; Sitnikov, Catalina & Moratis, Lars (red.). ISO 26000 - A Standardized View on Corporate Social Responsibility

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Næss, Knut Myrum (2018)

Kapitalforvaltning i stiftelser: Styrets oppfatninger av forsvarlig forvaltning

Magma forskning og viten, 21(6), s. 72- 81. - Full text in research archive

Samlet bokført egenkapital i norske stiftelser var i 2016 på mer enn 160 milliarder kroner. Samtidig er det lite kunnskap om hvordan stiftelseskapitalen er forvaltet, og hvordan styret i stiftelser arbeider med kapitalforvaltningen. I denne studien ser vi nærmere på hvordan fem tilfeldig valgte stiftelser med egenkapital på fem til syv millioner kroner forholder seg til stiftelseslovens § 18 om forvaltning av stiftelsens kapital. Det fremkommer at fire av stiftelsene forvalter hoveddelen av kapitalen som bankinnskudd, og at risikominimering er hovedbegrunnelsen for dette. Vedtektene stiller i liten grad krav til styrets forvaltningskompetanse, og det er variasjon knyttet til hvem som treffer forvaltningsavgjørelser i stiftelsen. Studien bidrar på flere nivåer. Fra et akademisk ståsted bidrar studien til kunnskap rundt oppfatning av begrep, avgjørelsesprosesser og valg av strategi. Fra et mer praktisk perspektiv bidrar studien til kunnskap om hvordan styrer arbeider. Funnene kan også være av praktisk nytte for stiftelser generelt

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2017)

Beyond sponsorship - exploring the impact of cooperation between corporations and NGOs

International journal of corporate social responsibility, 2 Doi: 10.1186/s40991-017-0017-9 - Full text in research archive

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2016)

From idealism to profitability

Sobrero, Rossella (red.). L'Impresa di domani: Innovativa sostensibile inclusiva

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2016)

Rapportering om samfunnsansvar i små foretak

Anderssen, Harald B & Bråthen, Tore (red.). Moderne Forretningsjus III

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Wenstøp, Fred (2016)

Attitudes towards ethical pension management among Norwegians

Beta, 30(2), s. 100- 118. Doi: 10.18261/ISSN.1504-3134-2016-02-01

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2015)

The gap between attitude and behavior in environmental protection - the case of Norway

Stoknes, Per Espen & Eliassen, Kjell Arnold (red.). Science based activism. Festschrift to Jørgen Randers

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale; Høivik, Heidi von Weltzien & Ihlen, Øyvind (2015)

The historical development of corporate social responsibility in Norway

Idowu, Samuel O.; Schmidpeter, P. & Fifka, M. (red.). Corporate Social Responsibility in Europe

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2014)

Are Non-Financial (CSR) Reports Trustworthy? A Study of The Extent to Which Non-Financial Reports Reflect the Media’ Perception of The Company’s Behaviour

Issues in Social & Environmental Accounting, 8(2), s. 116- 133.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

The role-play approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) education: The concept and a step-by-step example

Ahmad, Jamilah & Crowther, David (red.). Education and Corporate Social Responsibility: International Perspectives

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Brøgger, Benedicte (2013)

CSR and employee motivation

Midttun, Atle (red.). CSR and beyond: A Nordic perspective

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Wenstøp, Fred Erling (2013)

How stakeholders view stakeholders as CSR motivators

Social Responsibility Journal, 9(1), s. 137- 147. Doi: 10.1108/17471111311307868

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Wenstøp, Fred Erling (2013)

Ledelse av samfunnsansvar (CSR) - hva ønsker de ansatte?

Magma forskning og viten, 16(2), s. 32- 38.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

The Relationship Between Norwegian and Swedish Employees' Percetion of Corporate Social Responsibility and Affective Commitment

Business & Society Doi: 10.1177/0007650312439534

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2011)

ISO 26000 som et virkemiddel for institusjonalisering av samfunnsansvar (CSR)

Magma forskning og viten, s. 79- 87.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Wenstøp, Søren Henrik (2011)

Companies Ethical Commitment: an analysis of the rhetoric in CSR reports

Issues in Social & Environmental Accounting, 5(1/2), s. 65- 81. Doi: 10.22164/isea.v5i1.55 - Full text in research archive

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Gottschalk, Petter (2011)

Stages of growth model for corporate social responsibility

International Journal of Corporate Governance, 2(3/4), s. 268- 287. Doi: 10.1504/IJCG.2011.044378

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Midttun, Atle (2011)

What Motivates Managers to Pursue Corporate Responsibility? A Survey among Key Stakeholders

Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 18(1), s. 25- 38. Doi: 10.1002/csr.237

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2010)

Bedrifters støtte til frivillige organisasjoner (NGOer); Filantropi, samfunnsansvar og de ansatte

Praktisk økonomi & finans, s. 90- 98.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline D. (2010)

Bedrifters støtte til frivillige organisasjoner (NGOer)

Praktisk økonomi & finans, s. 90- 98.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline D. (2010)

From corporate social responsibility awareness to action?

Social Responsibility Journal, 6(3), s. 452- 468.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline D. (2010)

Historical Account of Key Words in Non-Financial Report Titles

Issues in Social & Environmental Accounting, 4(2), s. 136- 148.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline D. (2009)

Fordrer det noe spesielt å lede en samfunnsansvarlig bedrift?

Magma forskning og viten, 12(2), s. 23- 33.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Rapportering på samfunnsansvar gjelder alle

Econa [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Det er eit gap mellom liv og lære

Hardanger Folkeblad [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Magma 02-2013: Ansatte vil gjerne ta aktiv del i bedrifters samfunnsansvarsarbeid

Econa [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Ansatte vil gjerne ta aktiv del i bedriftenes samfunnsansvarsarbeid

Business Q4 [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

360 grader samfunnsansvar

Magma [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Ledelse av samfunnsansvar (CSR) - hva ønsker de ansatte?

Magma [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Si mindre men snakk om det viktige

NTB Info [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Støtter gode formål uten å spørre de ansatte

forskning.no [Internett]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Bedriften får en ny rolle

Ukeavisen Ledelse [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Ansatte får ikke være med å bestemme

Ledernytt [Tidsskrift]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Også en juleforestilling

Fremover [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Å gro bart er blitt den nye Birken

E24 [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Lykkens pris

Aftenposten [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

De unge slurver mest med kildesortering

Altaposten [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Unge gir blaffen

Unge gir blaffen [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Unge dårligst på kildesortering

Samfunnsmagasinet [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Ledere gir bort julegavene

Stavanger Aftenblad [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Under halvparten får julegaver på jobben

Stavanger Aftenblad [Avis]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (1)

Lønnsomt samfunnsansvar : dokumentasjon, suksesskriterier og fremgangsmåte

Magma forskning og viten [Kronikk]

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2021)

Hvordan bidrar åpenhetsloven - og hva innebærer den for din bedrift?

[Article in business/trade/industry journal]. Magma forskning og viten

Jahre, Marianne; Chao, Emmanuel, Debela, Kenenisa & Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2019)

Sutainable development of supply chains and networks - Identifying business opportunities in emerging markets

[Academic lecture]. IMP-Forum.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2014)

Norske og internasjonale regler og initiativ knyttet til samfunnsansvar (CSR)

[Popular scientific article]. Praktisk økonomi & finans, 3, s. 191- 201.

Wenstøp, Fred Erling & Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2014)

Hva tror de ansatte skal til for motivere til å sykle til og fra jobb?

[Article in business/trade/industry journal]. Magma forskning og viten, s. 70- 82.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2013)

Hvordan rapportere om samfunnsansvar? Status, dagens rapporteringsregler og nye lover

[Academic lecture]. Econa Frokostseminar.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

Voluntary corporate social responsibility reporting - a reflection of realism or utopia?

[Academic lecture]. International Conferance on Environmental, Cultural, Economic and Social Sustainability.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

Gapet mellom liv og lære innen miljøvern

[Report]. Handelshøyskolen BI.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

Non-financial reporting on CSR in smaller companies

[Academic lecture]. Company Law and Empirical Studies Workshop.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

Art 11 FTEU and Integrated Reporting; Commentator

[Academic lecture]. Taking Article 11 FTEU Seriously - The Significance of EU treaty Law for Reguating European Companies.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2012)

Bryr de ansatte seg om samfunnsansvar?

[Popular scientific article]. Ledernytt

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale & Midttun, Atle (2012)

Hvorfor tar ledere samfunnsansvar?

[Popular scientific article]. Ledernytt, 1

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2011)

Ikke-finansiell rapportering knyttet til samfunnsansvar i mindre bedrifter

[Report]. Handelshøyskolen BI.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2008)

Corporate Social Responsibility in global Value Chains - A Conceptual and Operational approach

[Academic lecture]. An empirical analysis NTNU.

Ditlev-Simonsen, Caroline Dale (2008)

In a corporate responsibiltiy setting - Does a company's interaction with NGOs influence the commitment of its employees?

[Academic lecture]. The Third Colloquium on Corporate Political Activity.

Academic Degrees
Year Academic Department Degree
2011 BI Norwegian Business School Ph.D.
1990 Boston Universtity, Boston, Mass., USA Master of Arts
1986 Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada Bachelor
Work Experience
Year Employer Job Title
2013 - Present BI Norwegian Business School Associate Dean, Customised program
2011 - Present BI Norwegian Business School Senior Researcher
2006 - Present BI - Centre for Corporate Responsibility Co-director
2008 - 2011 BI Norwegian Business School Researcher
2001 - 2005 MISA Consulting (Miljø og Samfunn), Oslo Manager
2000 - 2001 Storebrand ASA Assistant Director
1998 - 2000 Storebrand ASA Manager
1995 - 1998 Kværner ASA og Kværner Water Systems AS, Oslo/Tranby Adviser
1995 - 1995 Statens forurensingstilsyn (SFT) Staff Engineer
1992 - 1994 World Industry Council for the Environment (WICE), New York, USA Project Manager
1991 - 1991 Intrenational Chamber of Commerce - International Environmetal Bureau (ICC-IEB), Oslo Project Manager
1986 - 1989 Lillunn A/S Manager

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