The course promotes reflection on the ethical domain of economic decision making and develops the student's capacity to analyse and argue the ethical dimension.  The principal philosophical ethical theories are discussed, and their applicability to business examined. The relationship between business ethics, law and religion is considered, as is the impact of agency theory and stakeholder theory. A range of practical applications which individuals are likely to encounter in the earlier years of their career are examined, including negotiation ethics, whistleblowing, privacy, conflicts of interest and discrimination.  More general topics include environmental ethics, codes of conduct and globalisation. A pervading theme is the question: who is responsible for business ethics?

This course aims to:

• Promote understanding of the importance, for business and the community, of ethical conduct;
• Provide the skills with which to recognise and resolve ethical issues in business;
• Enhance awareness and critical self-examination of one's own values, and to appreciate the relevance of personal values in the business/workplace setting; and
• Encourage reflection on the ethical dimension of your own decision-making in workplace and other settings.

By the end of this course, you are expected to have attained proficiency in the following areas:

• Familiarity with theoretical foundations of business ethics;
• An ability to re-examine your knowledge of business and economic concepts from an ethical perspective; and
• Confidence and competence in applying ethical reasoning in a systematic way through the study and experience of a selection of business dilemmas that present to employees, managers, and consultants.

Weekly individual assignments (40%); Seminar participation (10%); Final examination (50%).

3 hour seminar.  A total workload for an average student of ten hours per week over 13 weeks.

At least an average of 65% (or equivalent) in the final two years of an Australian undergraduate degree

BUSN3016 Business Ethics, BUSN7038 Ethics in Business, BUSN8042 Managing Business Ethically, COMM3016 Business Ethics, MGMT3016 Business Ethics, and PAAE8006 Business Ethics.

For further information please refer to the Course Website