Course Overview:

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor kind of business.” Henry Ford 1863 – 1947

“I have always recognized that the object of business is to make money in an honorable manner. I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good.” Peter Cooper, 1874.

Both Cooper and Fords’ quotes suggest the essence of this course, to examine the dynamic between a company’s commitment to its stockholders and a broader commitment to stakeholders. Beyond generating a return for stockholders, the modern corporation plays a significant role in shaping the social, technological, political/legal and economic environments in which we all live in. The decisions and actions of corporate directors, management, partners and employees have a significant impact on stakeholders further downstream. This course examines the impact of business actions on stakeholders and provides a framework for guiding future ethical business decision-making. We will do this by examining the ethical dilemmas confronted by modern businesses within the social, technological, political/legal and economic environments in which they occur.

 

Using our text, additional readings and case studies, students will examine, analyze and discuss a range of current business cases and the ethical dimensions raised in each case. These discussions should assist you in examining your own moral perspective and developing the ability to diagnose and think critically when analyzing a business situation or opportunity.

 

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:

• Define the role of business in relationship to American society and government.
• Articulate a stakeholder perspective when examining a business dilemma.
• Articulate the dynamic between a corporation and the various environments in which it exists.
• Describe concepts of ethical critical thinking, and apply contrasting approaches of ethical reasoning to business issues.
• Identify the benefits and role of corporate social responsibility in the conduct of the business enterprise.
• Analyze and apply ethical principles to decisions in business-decision-making.
• Compare and contrast theories and applications of ethics.
• Discuss progress and strategies for promoting ethics in the workplace.