Business & Society ETLW: 302
The questions we ask How should we live our lives? What kind of person should I be?
How do you define ethics? What are they? Where do they come from? How do they apply in business? Are they important?
The Meaning of Ethics Ethics A conception of right and wrong conduct. It tells us whether our behavior is moral or immoral with fundamental human relationships Business ethics The application of general ethical ideas to business behavior
What are the most important ethical issues in the business world today?
Topics Individuals: Ethical decision making, stakeholders Organizations: Culture, diversity, regulation, public issues, CSR, sustainability The world: globalization, Base of the Pyramid, Social Business
Syllabus BE ON TIME me if you aren’t going to be here No, you can’t make up missed assignments
What this class doesn’t do Tell you what’s right or wrong Give you the answers
What this class does Forces you to engage and be active Makes you think for yourself
We need ethics…right?
T. L. CeranicBusiness & Society (ETLW 302) YES!
T. L. CeranicBusiness & Society (ETLW 302)
The Smell test…
Good ethics = good business!
Built to Last “Truly exceptional and enduring companies all placed great emphasis on a set of core values.” “Essential and enduring tenants.” “Not to be compromised for financial gain or short- term expediency.” Without specific values, the only value is profit.
Why do Ethical Problems Occur? Personal gain/selfish interestgain/selfish Competitive pressures on profits Battle between business goals and personal goals Cross-cultural contradictions
Let’s Get Ethical!
For Next Class Read How to identify an ethical issue Parable of the Sadhu Student Privileges with Strings Attached Complete the Ethical Lens Inventory