Business Ethics in the 21st Century

Course Description

Ethical decisions in business are everywhere. Organizations have learned that the costs of unethical actions can be high, both legally, and from a public relations perspective. This course introduces the major ethical frameworks in business and seeks to give learners a strong foundation in ethical business practices, whether as individuals, as a leaders, or as stewards of the organization. This course reviews how organizations can establish and encourage an ethical culture while monitoring for compliance.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the major ethical frameworks used in developing business ethics
• Explain the three components of the Ethical Triangle: Individual Ethics, Leadership Ethics, and Governance and Control
• Discuss key ethical challenges in the workplace
• Describe the use of organizational ethics codes
• Outline the ethical issues involved in the employer-employee relationship including Employment at Will, due process and fairness
• Discuss the use of ethics training
• Explain how organizations monitor ethical performance
• Describe the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethics
• Outline issues involving corporate governance
• Explain how sustainability is an ethical concern
• Discuss ethics and the regulatory environment (Sarbanes-Oxley Act; U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act)
• Explain the issues around whistleblowing
• Describe the role of leadership in establishing an ethical culture