Business Ethics

Course Number:

BA 208

Transcript Title:

Business Ethics

Created:

Jul 26, 2022

Updated:

May 24, 2025

Total Credits:

4

Lecture Hours:

40

Lecture / Lab Hours:

0

Lab Hours:

0

Satisfies Cultural Literacy requirement:

No

Satisfies General Education requirement:

Yes

Grading Options

A-F, P/NP, Audit

Default Grading Options

A-F

Repeats available for credit:

0

Alignment with Institutional Learning Outcomes

Major

1. Communicate effectively using appropriate reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. (Communication)

Major

2. Creatively solve problems by using relevant methods of research, personal reflection, reasoning, and evaluation of information. (Critical thinking and Problem-Solving)

Not Addressed

3. Extract, interpret, evaluate, communicate, and apply quantitative information and methods to solve problems, evaluate claims, and support decisions in their academic, professional and private lives. (Quantitative Literacy)

Minor

4. Use an understanding of cultural differences to constructively address issues that arise in the workplace and community. (Cultural Awareness)

Minor

5. Recognize the consequences of human activity upon our social and natural world. (Community and Environmental Responsibility)

To establish an intentional learning environment, Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) require a clear definition of instructional strategies, evidence of recurrent instruction, and employment of several assessment modes.

Major Designation

1. The outcome is addressed recurrently in the curriculum, regularly enough to establish a thorough understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a thorough understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Minor Designation

1. The outcome is addressed adequately in the curriculum, establishing fundamental understanding.
2. Students can demonstrate and are assessed on a fundamental understanding of the outcome.
   • The course includes at least one assignment that can be assessed by applying the appropriate CLO rubric.

Suggested Outcome Assessment Strategies

The determination of assessment strategies is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: writings (journals, self-reflections, pre writing exercises, essays), quizzes, tests, midterm and final exams, group projects, presentations (in person, videos, etc), self-assessments, experimentations, lab reports, peer critiques, responses (to texts, podcasts, videos, films, etc), student generated questions, Escape Room, interviews, and/or portfolios.

Course Activities and Design

The determination of teaching strategies used in the delivery of outcomes is generally left to the discretion of the instructor. Here are some strategies that you might consider when designing your course: lecture, small group/forum discussion, flipped classroom, dyads, oral presentation, role play, simulation scenarios, group projects, service learning projects, hands-on lab, peer review/workshops, cooperative learning (jigsaw, fishbowl), inquiry based instruction, differentiated instruction (learning centers), graphic organizers, etc.

Course Content

Outcome #1: Analyze the philosophical foundations of ethics in business and their influence on corporate decision-making

• Philosophical Foundations of Ethics

  • Introduction to major ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics

  • Ethical relativism vs. universal ethics

  • The role of moral reasoning in decision-making

• Ethics and Corporate Decision-Making

  • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethics

  • Ethical dilemmas in business practice

• Influence on Corporate Culture

  • How ethical frameworks shape organizational behavior

  • Building an ethical organizational culture

Outcome #2: Compare and critique dominant ethical paradigms in business decision-making from multiple perspectives

• Utilitarianism in Business

  • Definition and application of utilitarian ethics

  • Balancing profit and well-being in business decisions

  • Critiques: issues of fairness and minority rights

• Deontological Ethics

  • The focus on duties and rules in business practices

  • Critiques: rigid adherence to rules vs. outcomes

• Virtue Ethics and Character-Based Decision-Making

  • Definition of virtue ethics and its application in leadership

  • Evaluating the moral character of business leaders

• Stakeholder Theory

  • Definition and application in business decision-making

  • Balancing stakeholder interests

Outcome #3: Evaluate ethical challenges in business while balancing the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit

• Triple Bottom Line Framework

  • Introduction to the triple bottom line (TBL): people, planet, profit

  • How TBL is used in sustainable business practices

  • Measuring success beyond financial profit

• People: Social Responsibility

  • Ethical labor practices and employee well-being

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

• Planet: Environmental Responsibility

  • Ethical implications of environmental sustainability

  • Corporate efforts in reducing ecological footprints

• Profit: Ethical Profit-Making

  • Profit maximization vs. ethical constraints

  • Business practices that balance profitability with social/environmental impact

Outcome #4: Apply professional and ethical standards to real-world business scenarios across various industries

• Professional and Ethical Standards

  • Overview of professional ethics codes (e.g., AICPA, AMA)

  • Ethical guidelines in accounting, marketing, management

• Real-World Scenarios

  • Ethical decision-making in marketing: truth in advertising, consumer rights

  • Case studies in business finance: transparency, fraud prevention

• Industry-Specific Ethical Standards

  • Ethical challenges in industries like healthcare, tech, finance, and manufacturing

  • How to navigate ethical dilemmas specific to each industry

Outcome #5: Utilize ethical reasoning to engage in meaningful discourse on business-related social issues

• Ethical Reasoning and Dialogue

  • Understanding the role of ethical reasoning in debates

  • Engaging with opposing viewpoints in a constructive way

  • Using ethical principles to support arguments

• Social Issues in Business

  • Addressing issues like inequality, discrimination, and human rights

  • Navigating controversial topics (e.g., labor rights, environmental justice)

• Ethical Discourse Techniques

  • Encouraging open, respectful discussions on business ethics

  • Recognizing cultural differences in ethical discourse

Outcome #6: Assess the ethical implications of emerging business trends, including artificial intelligence, data privacy, and sustainability

• Emerging Business Trends

  • Overview of emerging trends in business (AI, data privacy, sustainability)

  • How these trends challenge traditional business ethics

• Artificial Intelligence and Ethics

  • Ethical issues related to AI: bias, decision-making, and autonomy

  • The impact of AI on jobs, privacy, and personal freedoms

• Data Privacy and Ethics

  • Ethical considerations around data collection and use

  • Balancing user privacy with business needs

• Sustainability and Ethical Trends

  • The role of sustainability in modern business ethics

  • Ethical challenges in renewable energy, circular economy, and resource management

Suggested Texts and Materials

Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, 14^th Ed, Ferrell/Fraedrich/Ferrell