Business Ethics

This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in the corporate world. Through a blend of theory, immersive exercises, and case studies, you will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence individual and organizational decision-making, while also exploring the intersection between ethics and innovative realms like technology, artificial intelligence development, and the ever-evolving role of media.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, ethical conduct and social responsibility are more critical than ever. The conversation on business ethics and corporate social responsibility has captivated both the business community and the public, with the media consistently drawing our attention to the frequent occurrences of unethical conduct by corporations and executives.

While media coverage tends to highlight egregious ethical transgressions, it is crucial to recognize that ethical challenges are not just lead media stories; they permeate our daily professional lives, presenting themselves as subtle dilemmas that demand our attention.

In this course you will delve into these compelling subjects, dissecting the negative implications and effects unethical practices have on companies, employees, customers, partners, and investor confidence. You will explore the critical role played by ethics in driving overall organizational performance and uncover the harsh truth that neglecting ethical issues can lead to undesirable, even disastrous consequences.

Learning objectives

Students completing this course will be able to:

1. Identify and interpret business ethics theory and corporate social responsibility.
2. Explain foundational ethical theories, business ethics, and the difference between compliance and ethics.
3. Understand the role of ethics in maintaining good financial performance.
4. Articulate issues in business ethics, the ethical business environment and their potential effect on personal, managerial and corporate decisions.
5. Evaluate various external and organizational influences affecting ethical decisions.
6. Utilize ethical principles to achieve satisfactory solutions to ethical dilemmas, and develop ethically informed leadership skills.