RNCP 40257 · Business Management

Course Description

This coourse provides an understanding of how ethical decision making occurs in an organization. -Provide knowledge and exercises to help you understand the responsibilities of ethical leadership -Identify ethical risks and issues in making ethical decisions in business. -Understand the relationships between ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in the firm. -Learn how the oversight of top managers and corporate governance affect ethical decisions. -Examine external pressures for ethical decisions related to regulatory and self- regulatory organizations. -Experience real business ethics decisions through cases, simulations, debates, and other classroom activities.

Course Objectives

Provide an understanding of how ethical decision making occurs in an organization. Provide knowledge and exercises to help you understand the responsibilities of ethical leadership Identify ethical risks and issues in making ethical decisions in business. Understand the relationships between ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability in the firm. Learn how the oversight of top managers and corporate governance affect ethical decisions. Examine external pressures for ethical decisions related to regulatory organizations. Experience real business ethics decisions through cases, simulations, debates, and other classroom activities.

Key Concepts

1. Business Ethics: The study of proper business policies and practices regarding potentially controversial issues like corporate governance, insider trading, bribery, discrimination, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
2. Importance of Business Ethics: Ethical behavior ensures trust with stakeholders, prevents legal issues, enhances reputation, and creates long-term success.
3. Stakeholders: Individuals or groups affected by or able to affect a company’s actions, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the community.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A business’s commitment to contribute to the well-being of society and the environment beyond the profit motive.
5. Emerging Business Ethics: New ethical challenges arise from trends such as technological advancements, environmental sustainability, and social justice movements.
6. Institutionalization of Business Ethics: The formal adoption of ethical norms and practices within a company’s policies, procedures, and governance structures.
7. Ethical Decision Making: The process of making choices that align with ethical standards, requiring consideration of consequences, duties, and fairness.
8. Ethical Leadership: Leaders who guide their organization based on ethical principles, serving as role models and fostering a culture of integrity.
9. Moral Philosophies: Systems of thought that guide moral decision-making, such as utilitarianism (greatest good for the greatest number) or deontology (duty-based ethics).
10. Globalization and Ethics: The impact of operating across different cultures and countries, which introduces complex ethical dilemmas around labor practices, human rights, and environmental responsibility.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. To understand the impact of the business environment on ethical decision making
2. To distinguish between Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
3. To understand ethical issues in business
4. To apply moral philosophies to Business Ethics
5. To understand the importance of Ethical Decision Making and Ethical Leadership
6. To Develop an Effective Ethics Programme
7. To Implement and Audit Ethics Programmes
8. To analyze the role of stakeholders in shaping ethical business practices
9. To explore the impact of globalization on business ethics and ethical decision-making
10. To evaluate the role of corporate governance in fostering ethical behavior