The assistant professor was an invited speaker at a national gambling conference.
Jessalynn Strauss, an assisant professor in Elon University’s School of Communications, delivered a speech titled “Exceeding Expectations: Social Responsibility in Gaming” at the New Horizons in Responsible Gambling conference in January in Vancouver.
The described Strauss’ speech thusly: “Social responsibility is often considered and discussed as a strategic communication tool, or as a business move that can promote a positive return on investment. Corporations often talk about ‘social responsibility’ as a way to advance a positive reputation and encourage purchase decisions by consumers who prefer to give their business to ‘responsible’ companies. So what does social responsibility mean in the context of the gaming industry?
“Drawing from the vast body of literature on corporate social responsibility, this presentation looks at elements of responsibility outside the realm of responsible gaming, including environmental sustainability, community and non-profit support, labour relations, and corporate governance. It also suggests that social responsibility on the part of gaming interests is an ethical and moral obligation of those parties to meet the expectations of society.”
The conference was sponsored by the government of British Columbia. Strauss came to Elon in 2013 and teaches courses in Strategic Communications. She has an upcoming book titled “Challenging Corporate Social Responsibility: Lessons for Public Relations” that’s due to be published this year.