Ethics

Students will explore the need for business ethics by assessing the wide variety of moral ideas on appropriate business conduct that have been voiced by philosophers, economists, and businesspersons. The course begins by outlining the broad intellectual framework necessary to approach the study of business ethics and the political-economic systems under which business operates. Students focus on specific areas where business and ethics intersect, such as the environment, sales, advertising, leadership, loyalty, whistleblowing, employment equity, diversity, and globalization. Special emphasis is also paid to the issue of good character, as we explore the extent to which business must rely upon virtues like honesty and integrity. Students will be challenged to reflect on their own values and beliefs, and those held by others while examining examples of contemporary Canadian moral dilemmas, with a focus on ways reflection on ethical theories can support responses to these dilemmas.