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111BESR Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
Topic 1
Topic 1: Definitions and Approaches Dealing with Business Ethics
In this topic we begin by exploring definitions of business ethics and corporate responsibility. That is, if we can find some definitions. Yes, there are some, but we really have to explore the meaning given to these areas because there are a number of different opinions, some subtle, and others not so subtle. We really need to understand what it is that we are going to talk about before we can go on to explore things like models of ethics, and a process of ethical decision-making. Our core question for this topic is: • What are business ethics and why do we need to have them?
The areas we will cover are: • • • • Definitions. Why study ethics? A brief history of ethics. The nature of ethics
Our objectives for this topic are: • • • • • Explaining the nature and meaning of business ethics. Articulating the importance of ethics. Identifying basic categories and concepts of ethical theory. Identifying different assumptions underpinning ethical positions. Presenting an example of an ethical business model.
Learning resources Chapter 1, “Understanding Ethics” and Chapter 2, “Defining Business Ethics” in Ghillyer, A 2011, Business Ethics Now, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill. Key terms and concepts Applied ethics Business ethics Ethical relativism Absolutism Utilitarianism Value teleological views Deontological views Theory of rights Theory of justice.
©Australian Institute of Business. V6Jan13 - G:2011:3ed
1
111BESR Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
Topic 1
Part 1: Definitions
Despite the increasing number of books and articles about business ethics, it seems easy sometimes to miss any specific definition of business ethics in amongst all that writing. Why do you think this is so? Is there something about business ethics that almost defies definition? After reflecting on these questions, consider the following: “… Business
Topic 1
Topic 1: Definitions and Approaches Dealing with Business Ethics
In this topic we begin by exploring definitions of business ethics and corporate responsibility. That is, if we can find some definitions. Yes, there are some, but we really have to explore the meaning given to these areas because there are a number of different opinions, some subtle, and others not so subtle. We really need to understand what it is that we are going to talk about before we can go on to explore things like models of ethics, and a process of ethical decision-making. Our core question for this topic is: • What are business ethics and why do we need to have them?
The areas we will cover are: • • • • Definitions. Why study ethics? A brief history of ethics. The nature of ethics
Our objectives for this topic are: • • • • • Explaining the nature and meaning of business ethics. Articulating the importance of ethics. Identifying basic categories and concepts of ethical theory. Identifying different assumptions underpinning ethical positions. Presenting an example of an ethical business model.
Learning resources Chapter 1, “Understanding Ethics” and Chapter 2, “Defining Business Ethics” in Ghillyer, A 2011, Business Ethics Now, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill. Key terms and concepts Applied ethics Business ethics Ethical relativism Absolutism Utilitarianism Value teleological views Deontological views Theory of rights Theory of justice.
©Australian Institute of Business. V6Jan13 - G:2011:3ed
1
111BESR Business Ethics & Social Responsibility
Topic 1
Part 1: Definitions
Despite the increasing number of books and articles about business ethics, it seems easy sometimes to miss any specific definition of business ethics in amongst all that writing. Why do you think this is so? Is there something about business ethics that almost defies definition? After reflecting on these questions, consider the following: “… Business
References: Friedman, J 2007, Dictionary of Business Terms, 7th edn, Barron 's Educational Series. DesJardins, J 2006, An Introduction to Business Ethics, 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill Irwin. Ghillyer, A 2010, Business Ethics: A Real World Approach, 2nd edn McGraw-Hill Irwin. Ghillyer, A 2011, Business Ethics Now, 3rd edn McGraw-Hill. Hartman, L 2005, Perspectives in Business Ethics, 3rd edn, McGraw-Hill Irwin. McHugh, FP 1988, Keyguide to information sources in business ethics, Nichols Publishing. Theil, S 2004, Europe’s Enron, Newsweek (International Edition), New York. June 7th, 2004 , accessed 28 August 2011. ©Australian Institute of Business. V6Jan13 - G:2011:3ed 8 111BESR Business Ethics & Social Responsibility Topic 1 Feedback about activities Activity 1.1 For examples of business Codes of Ethics see: Center for Nonprofit Excellence (nd) Sample Code of Ethics , accessed: 28 August 2011 Haliburton (n.d.) Code of Business Conduct Summary , accessed: 28 August 2011 Johnson & Johnson (nd) Our Credo , accessed:28 August 2011 ©Australian Institute of Business. V6Jan13 - G:2011:3ed 9