The module will examine ethical issues and dilemmas in business covering such key, controversial subjects as child labour, and ethical consumption. The main concepts and moral philosophical theories that have been used to understand and explain business ethics will be introduced. In this way it is intended that students will be able to gain an understanding of why ethical problems arise, what their significance might be, and how they might be attended to. Ultimately, the aim of the module is to enable students to reflect upon ethical questions with a view to enhancing their analytical and decision-making skills.

Question the role of business in society, and explain how and why this role might change or be managed.

Evaluate the responsibilities of, and relationships between, companies and their external and internal stakeholders.

Conduct critical evaluation of the ethical rights and wrongs of a variety of business issues drawing on relevant moral philosophical theories.

A.   Knowledge and Understanding

• Identify and critically analyse common ethical issues arising in business.
• Develop a basic understanding of the moral philosophical theories which may be relevant to such critical analysis.
• Diagnose ethical problems and suggest how they might be resolved or dealt with.

B.   Intellectual Skills: 

• Demonstrate the ability to analyse and debate ethical problems in business, and to develop, present and defend potential solutions.

C.   Discipline Specific Skills:  

• Skills of critical evaluation, the research process and the application of academic theory to professional practice

D.   Transferable Skills:

• Develop the ability to think critically and originally
• An awareness of moral philosophy in business situations

A mixture of lectures, case studies, exercises, guest speakers, audio-visual materials and interactive podcasts.   A strong emphasis is to be placed on student participation in class. There will be approximately 22 hours of classes, which will consist of a combination of formal lectures and tutorial sessions.

Indicative study hours: 100

The module is structured around two themes. (1) Business Ethics in Philosophical Context:  The first part of the module looks at business ethics in context, introducing key philosophical ideas and concepts. (2) Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics: The second part of the module explores the rise of the corporation and how this reshaped the ethical and social priorities of corporations.  Consideration is given to CSR or corporate social responsibility.  

Crane A. and Matten, D. 2016. Business ethics: managing corporate citizenship and sustainability in the age of globalization. 4^th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 
Available at Aberconway library.

Boatright, J.R. 2013. Ethics and the conduct of business. 7^th ed. Harlow: Pearson. 
Available at Aberconway library and online at: http://bit.ly/29XauwT