Module overview
This module discusses issues related to business ethics. It covers philosophical foundations of ethical theories, and applications of ethical theory to real-life case studies and hypothetical dilemmas. It also discusses causes and consequences of unethical behaviour and develops skills and knowledge in ethical management practices.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- to be familiar with some ethical concepts and distinctions.
- apply a logical and structured form of ethical analysis;
- develop skills of problem definition, analysis, problem solving and decision taking;
- recognise the impacts of managerial decisions, both positive and negative, upon other people;
- recognise the mixture of benefits distributed and harms allocated, of rights exercised and rights denied, that constitute an ethical problem;
- gain the confidence to convincingly express your decisions to others;
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- ethical theories and concepts relevant to organisations;
- some of the causes and consequences of unethical behaviour in individuals and organisations;
- how to avoid unethical business behaviour.
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- communicate complex issues in a clear and coherent manner.
- develop experience of working in groups, and negotiating group decisions
Syllabus
Ethics and the law. Codes of conduct, ethics policy, guidelines.
Moral basis of economic theory – assumptions and externalities.
Critique of ‘classical’ perspectives against business ethics (e.g. the view of Milton Friedman).
Stakeholder perspective, stakeholder analysis.
Examples of issues in Business Ethics e.g. bribery, taxation, pricing, environmental practices, human rights, corruption.
Ethical theories and moral philosophers: Deontological ethical theories e.g. Kant; Consequentialist theories e.g. Utilitarianism; Justice theories e.g. Rawls; Rights theorists; Virtue theorists e.g. Aristotle. Modern ethical theories e.g. feminist ethics.
Ethical Absolutism vs. Ethical relativism. Hypernorms vs cultural norms.
Application of ethical theories to case studies.
Causes and consequences of unethical behaviour. How to make an organisation more ethical. Giving Voice to Values.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Case studies
- Games
- Simulations
- Videos
- Online discussions
- Group work
Learning activities include:
- Individual and group assignments (group or individual)
- Case study
- Problem solving activities
- Private study
Type | Hours |
---|---|
Preparation for scheduled sessions | 72 |
Completion of assessment task | 30 |
Seminar | 12 |
Lecture | 24 |
Wider reading or practice | 12 |
Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Hartley, R. F (2005). Business Ethics: Mistakes and Successes. John Wiley & Sons.
Goodpaster, K. E. (2007). Conscience and Corporate Culture. Blackwell Publishing.
Crane, A. (2016). Business Ethics: Managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. Oxford University Press.
Hosmer, L. T. (2008). The Ethics of Management, McGraw-Hill. McGraw-Hill.
Assessment
Formative
This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.
In-class activitiesSummative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 70% |
Group report | 30% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
Method | Percentage contribution |
---|---|
Report | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External