• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the contemporary frameworks and models used for ethical decision-making and corporate social responsibility..
• Demonstrate the ability to use the frameworks and models to develop best-available solutions to complex problems.
• Demonstrate the appropriate use of both quantiative and qualitative data for ethical and socially responsible decision-making.
• Demonstrate creative innovative thinking with regard to ethical positions and social responsibility outcomes.
• Be able to identify key actors, potential challenges, and opportunities for firms as they address global issues.

In that businesses operate in an global economy where markets are shaped by social, cultural, and political forces, it is imperative that students understand the interplay of these forces and the dynamic impact they have on the business. This course will provide students with a global multidisciplinary perspective on international business ethics and social responsibilities, and use applied ethical reasoning and analysis to examine many of the normative issues posed by this contemporary interplay. Within this framework, we will examine contemporary models of business responsibility and their economic and social assumptions. Further we will analyze specific contemporary cases, such as supply chain standards and transparency, environmental reporting, and misleading advertising, where ethics and business strategy seemed to conflict. Students will practice their ethical analysis and decision-making skills through daily case work as they develop “best” available soliutions that are reflective of the scope and scale of international business operations.

Preliminary assignment:

 Read: Kline, J (2010). Ethics for International Business. Routledge Press. Introduction, Chapter 1, Chapter 10 and Chapter 11.

Prepare: Find an example of a contemporary case where the interests of business, society, and governments conflict. Prepare a 2 page anlaysis of the situation and determine a best course of action.

Class 1:Introduction to the Contemporary Debates and Historical Context

Class 2: Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks and Ethical Analysis tools

Class 3: Contemporary CSR Models - Integrating Ethics and Economics

Class 4: Labor, Supply Chain, and Human Rights
Class 5: Product Design, Use and Disposal
Class 6: Marketing Motives and Messages

Class 7:  Feedback activity: Case Practice

Class 8: Focus on Sustainability
Class 9: Focus on Poverty
Class 10: Focus on Peace
Class 11: Innovation and Impact

Mandatory readings:

Kline, J (2010). Ethics for International Business.  Routledge Press.

All other readings will linked on the course web-site/Canvas and are a mix of journal articles, industry reports, company SCR reports and news articles.