This module is a resource for lecturers  

 

Guidelines to develop a stand-alone course

 

This Module provides an outline for a three-hour class, but there is potential to develop its topics further into a stand-alone course. The scope and structure of such a course will be determined by the specific needs of each context, but a possible structure is presented here as a suggestion. It is based on the textbook of Rachels & Rachels (2012).

Session

Topic

Brief description

1

Integrity and ethics Part A: definitions, descriptions, basic understanding

Refresher on what integrity is and what ethics is. Overview of basic principles. Introduction of the idea of duties to stakeholders. Interactive discussion.

2

Integrity and ethics Part B: individuals in business, businesses in society

Overview of the importance of integrity and ethics in the world of business.

3

Why should a business be ethical? Part A

Explanation of how ethics and integrity in a business can drive value creation.

4

Why should a business be ethical? Part B

Explanation of how ethics and integrity in a business can help to preserve the value in the business.

5

Stakeholders and ethics

Discussion of ethical responsibilities of different stakeholders and to different stakeholders.

6

Stakeholders and codes

Discussion of how ethical responsibilities of different business stakeholders are developed in a code. Use sample codes as case studies for this purpose.

7

Integrity and ethics programmes Part A - driving integrity as a key component

Explanation of how a business can promote integrity by developing its employees' abilities to reason ethically and to avoid rationalizing.

8

Integrity and ethics programmes Part B - driving compliance as a key component

Explanation of how compliance mechanisms such as codes can help the company maintain ethics and integrity.

9

Ethical management approaches Part A - small businesses, multinationals, etc.

Identification of ethical management approaches for businesses of various sizes, legal status and complexity and challenges related to their implementation. For example, ethical concerns may differ in scope for family-owned vs. public businesses.

10

Ethical management approaches Part B - varying regulatory environments

Identification of ethical management approaches for businesses operating in multiple locations and challenges related to their implementation. In some contexts, it is useful to apply for standards certifications, e.g. ISO 37001 (anti-bribery management systems) or ISO 26000 (social responsibility). Advise about the need for a greater duty of care in countries with weak regulatory environments and governance mechanisms. In addition, look at the regulation of transparency and disclosure, e.g. Global Reporting Initiative and International Integrated Reporting Council.

 

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