BUS 220 Ethics in Contemporary Organizations

Overview of Course

You will likely be in a management or leadership role in the future, and you will need to make decisions based on legal, moral and ethical rules. An organization gets confronted with competitive and complex challenges and can feel the pressure to do what it takes to make a profit, succeed and win. Organizations must consider the impact of their action on all of the following: customers, employees, shareholders and communities. There are risks and opportunities associated with this organizational conduct.
In this course, you will examine the ethical challenges and responsibilities that business leaders face in an increasingly interconnected and culturally diverse world. Students will explore foundational ethical theories, stakeholder perspectives, and world and local dilemmas involving corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, labor practices, employee rights and global trade.
While on the Semester at Sea, students will engage with case studies across multiple countries, reflecting on how culture, regulation and values shape critical thinking and resulting ethical decision making. Class will include discussion, experiential learning and analysis of current events. Students will form viewpoints and share their values while building frameworks for acting with purpose and integrity as professionals within organizations.