This course takes you through an analysis of ethical issues arising from business practice. We presuppose an analytic philosophical methodology, utilising the traditional tools of secular ethics in that tradition, and insights from agency theory and stakeholder theory. We consider ethical issues in business from both a theoretical standpoint (systematic and principle-based), and through case studies; thus we will try to be as sensitive as possible to the real world particularities of a business environment, yet our analyses will recognise the importance and relevance of our major ethical theories. A range of practical applications which individuals are likely to encounter 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?”
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand the importance, for business and the community, of ethical conduct;
- use theory to recognise, debate, and resolve ethical issues in business;
- enhance awareness and critical self-examination of their own values; and
- reflect on the ethical dimension of their own decision-making in workplace and other settings.
Other Information
You cannot learn ethics just by reading. It is vital to have interaction with others and to be exposed to the values and beliefs of others, and to understand the interaction between your views and those of others. Thus, it is expected that all students will prepare for, attend, and fully participate in every seminar.Indicative Assessment
- Individual weekly seminar preparation assignments (weeks 3 to 11 inclusive), 8 x 500 words (total 4000 words), four of which will be randomly selected for marking (10% each for a total of 40%) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Individual weekly in-class learnings (weeks 3 to 12 inclusive), handwritten notes made during the seminar, four of which will be randomly selected for marking (2.5% each for a total of 10%) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Closed-book 3-hour Final Examination, 50% (50) [LO 1,2,3,4]
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:
a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 36 hours of seminars (the weekly contact for each week in a single block); and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
The assessment is tightly integrated as a three step process:
- You read the assigned material and prepare written responses to set questions (40%);
- You come to class and take part in both the general discussion of the set questions and the debates that arise from this, and give mini-presentations that involve reading parts of your seminar preparation assignment to the class (10%);
- The final exam integrates this material using 2 case studies and 3 short essay questions; the short essay questions will be drawn exclusively from the set questions for (1) above (50%).
Each student may, for one weekly seminar preparation assignment, notify the course convener in writing that they are claiming an exemption from submission for that particular week’s assignment. No reason needs to be given. This is not an extension but a permitted non-submission. This is in acknowledgment of the fact that there are many competing demands on your time.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Rachels, James and Stuart Rachels. The Elements of Moral Philosophy. Most recent edition, which as at October 2018 is the 8th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $5700 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.