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Course Description and Goals In this seminar we
will examine ethical issues in the context of business theory and practice.
In the process of exploring these issues and raising questions, we will draw
on a wide body of literatures including the humanities, management theory,
and the social sciences. Among the most important goals of this course are: (1)
to jointly examine thoughtfully ideas and perspectives in the field of
business ethics and extend these ideas/perspectives to administrative
practice and decision making; and (2) to enhance our moral sensibility and
expand our capacity for moral inquiry, dialogue, and decision making in ways
that will be useful in our professional and civic lives. A variety of
teaching methods will be used to facilitate achieving these goals including
class case discussions, small group discussions, mini-lectures, and videos/films. Course Requirements Cases (50%) It is expected that whenever possible, you will be present in class to
turn in and discuss your case analyses. If for some reason you cannot make
class, please let me know in advance and make plans to have the case turned
in before the beginning of class either by another student, via fax,
etc. Cases will not be accepted
after the beginning of the class when the case is due. Socially Responsible Business Profile
(15%) This course provides you with an
opportunity to explore a company that has developed ethically sound policies
in a number of domains, for example, community service, environmental
responsibility, work-family programs, labor practices, etc. You are asked to
prepare a 5-7 page (double spaced, 12 point font, 1”margins) company profile
that corresponds to the following outline: (1) Briefly describe the company indicating its
size, the industry or industries the company operates in, and the mission and
values of the company. (2) Discuss in depth how this particular
organization pursues socially responsible business practices. You may choose
to focus in on one area (e.g., work-family programs), or discuss a variety of
initiatives. (3) How well can the policies, programs, or
practices you have highlighted be applied to other companies? What unique
elements of the company (e.g., its culture, leadership support) may be
particularly important in shaping the company’s commitment to socially
responsible business practices? I will evaluate
your paper based on how thoroughly and thoughtfully you have addressed the
three areas outlined above (especially sections 2 & 3). You are strongly
encouraged to use research resources such as (www.business-ethics.com) and
interviews in developing your paper. I will ask for references of source
materials you used in preparing your profile. You will be asked to share your
company profile with class members in small group discussions. On your assigned date of presentation, be
prepared to turn in your paper and provide students with a brief summary of
your paper. Papers will not be accepted after the due date you have been
assigned. Student Ethics Mini-Case
(15%) Try to select a
case that you believe others will identify with either because they have
faced similar situations or may face a similar situation in the future. The
cases can address issues similar to those discussed in class or raise
important issues/dilemmas we may not have been able to discuss. Consider
cases where there is a real ethical dilemma and where the class has to
struggle with some tough ethical issues and make a recommendation on taking
action in the case. The cases will be due on the dates outlined
in the syllabus (please make copies for everyone in discussion group) and
each of you will be assigned one of the dates specified in the syllabus. After students have read the mini-case in
class, the group should discuss how they would resolve the ethical dilemma.
I’ll then ask you to share with them the decision you made and the
justification for your decision. In addition to turning in your one-page
case, you will be responsible for a three-five page (double-space with 1”
margins) write-up that includes the central ethical issues brought out in the
case, what you learned from this particular dilemma and how (if at all) the
experience influenced your character, and what lessons you can pass on to
others who might face similar situations. Class
Participation (20%) Required The following book
is available in the WSUV Bookstore: There are a number
of assigned cases/readings as well that you will purchase directly from the http://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cb/access/4457301
A number of readings will be placed on electronic reserve with the WSU
Vancouver Library (noted by "R" in syllabus). You can gain access to these readings
through visiting WSU
Vancouver - Library - Course Reserves. I will provide a password for you
to use in class. Office Hours Academic Integrity Students are expected to uphold the WSU standard of conduct relating
to academic dishonesty (see WSU Student Handbook, WAC 504-25-015 as well as
the Business Program Guidelines related to Academic Integrity). Students assume full responsibility for the
content and integrity of the academic work they submit. The guiding principle of academic integrity
shall be that a student’s submitted work, examinations, reports, and projects
must be that student’s own work.
Students shall be guilty of violating the honor code if they: 1.
Represent
the work of others as their own. 2.
Use or
obtain unauthorized assistance in any academic work. 3.
Give
unauthorized assistance to other students. 4.
Modify,
without instructor approval, an examination, paper, record or report for the
purpose of obtaining additional credit. 5.
Misrepresent
the content of submitted work. The penalty for violating the honor code is severe. The first offense will result in a grade of zero on the assignment/exam in question. A second offense will result in a failing grade for the course. All offenses will be reported to the Office of Student Affairs. If a student is unclear about whether a particular situation may constitute an honor code violation, the student should meet with the instructor to discuss the situation. Student Conduct Per the WSU Vancouver Student Handbook, students are, “Expected to
show due respect for …the rights of others.”
For example, “While students have the right to freedom of
expression…this expression cannot interfere with the rights of others or
disrupt the processes of the University.
Any malicious act which causes harm to any person’s physical or mental
well being is prohibited.” Such
activities include sexual harassment, discrimination, intimidation (e.g.
bullying or belittling fellow students), disruptive behavior (e.g., loud
talking in class, or slanderous comments made about other students or faculty
(e.g., false and unsubstantiated claims of discrimination made for the
purpose of improving grades). Students
should be familiar with the Anyone wishing to report violations of the student or faculty conduct
code should use the following procedures.
Whenever possible, collect any documentation of the offending activity
(e.g. written comments from other students or faculty, e-mail messages etc.). It is also useful for students to put their
concerns in writing to faculty or administrators pursuing the matter can
accurately convey the student’s concerns. Present the complaint and
supporting documentation to the appropriate faculty member or
administrator. The process should
begin with the class instructor. If
the instructor is unable to resolve the matter to the student’s satisfaction,
of the problem behavior spans multiple classes, or if the nature of the
problem makes this impossible, the complaint should be forwarded to the
Program Director. If the matter is
still not resolved to the student’s satisfaction, the complaint should
proceed to the Associate Dean, then the Chancellor and finally to the
University Ombudsman. See the WSU
Vancouver student manual for more detail concerning this process. Disability
Accommodation Accommodations may be available if you need them in order to fully
participate in this class because of a disability. Accommodations may take
some time to implement so it is critical that you contact Disability Services
as soon as possible. All accommodations must be approved
through Disability Services, located in the Emergency Notification System WSU has made an emergency notification system
available for faculty, students and staff. Please register at myWSU with
emergency contact information (cell, email, text, etc). You may have been
prompted to complete emergency contact information when registering for
classes on RONet. In the event of a Building
Evacuation, a map at each classroom entrance shows the evacuation point
for each building. Please refer to it. Finally, in case of class cancellation campus-wide,
please check local media, the WSU Vancouver web page and/or http://www.flashalert.net/. Individual
class cancellations may be made at the discretion of the instructor. Each
individual is expected to make the best decision for their personal
circumstances, taking safety into account. Campus Counseling Short-term counseling services for current
Washington State University Vancouver students are available for free on
campus from Dr. William D. Meek. Will is available for appointments Monday
through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM in Student Services Center 111. To
schedule a visit, please call (360)546-9238 or go to http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/ss/pc.htm
for additional information. |
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MGTOP
487: Seminar in Business Ethics Course Outline – Fall 2009
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Aug. 28 |
Ethical Focus: Course Introduction & Overview Case Discussion: For Kidz Sake (distributed in
class) Recommended |
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Sept. 4 |
Ethical Focus: Developing A Framework for Ethical Analysis and
Moral Inquiry Required |
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Sept. 11 |
Ethical Focus: Authority & Loyalty Conflict on a Trading Floor (Sample Case) Required Student Mini-Case #1 |
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Sept. 18 |
Ethical Focus: Balancing Work and Life Commitments Required “Work-Life: The End of the Zero-Sum Game,” Stewart Friedman et al. (R) SRB Discussion #1 |
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Sept. 25 |
Ethical Focus: Giving Voice to Values (1) Case Discussion: Naivete or Boldness? “Ways of Thinking about Our Values in the Workplace,” Mary Gentile http://aspencbe.org/teaching/gvv/index.html Student Mini-Case #2 |
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Oct. 2 |
Ethical Focus: Giving Voice to Values (2) Case Discussion: Better Wrong Than Right?(A)
& (B) http://aspencbe.org/teaching/gvv/index.html SRB Discussion #2 |
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Oct. 9 |
Ethical Focus: Conflicts of Personal, Professional,
& Organizational Ethics Required “Corporate Policy and
the Ethics of Competitor Intelligence Film Discussion:
Arthur
Miller, All My Sons |
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Oct. 16 |
Ethical Focus: Globalization and Corporate Responsibility Case Discussion: Levi Strauss & Co. Global
Outsourcing (A) HBS Required DeGeorge, Chapter 19 Student Mini-Case #3 |
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Oct. 23 |
Ethical Focus: Globalization and Corporate
Responsibility Case Discussion: Hitting the Wall: Nike and International Labor
Practices (HBS) Required “The Path
to Corporate Responsibility,” Simon Zadek (R) SRB Discussion #3 |
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Oct.
30 |
Ethical Focus: Globalization and Corporate Power Required “Rejuvenating
Wal-Mart’s Reputation,” Thomas Hemphill (R) Student
Mini-Case #4 |
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Nov.
6 |
Ethical Focus: Corporations & NGO’s Required “Collaborating with Activists: How Starbucks
Works with NGO’s,” Paul Argenti (R) SRB Discussion
#4 |
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Nov.
13 |
Ethical Focus: Environmental
Responsibility Video Discussion: Exporting Harm: The High
Tech Trashing of Required “Not in our Backyard: Exporting Electronic Waste,” Elizabeth Grossman
(R) Student Mini-Case #5 |
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Nov.
20 |
Ethical Focus: Global Outsourcing Revisited Required “Managing for Organizational Integrity,” Lynn Sharp
Paine (R) Film Discussion: Arthur
Miller, Death of A Salesman |
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Nov.
27 |
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Dec. 4 |
Ethical Focus: Moral Repair – Necessary Evils Required “Dying Words,” Jerome Groopman (R) “Necessary Evils:
A Diagnostic Exercise,” Joshua Margolis (HBS) Student Mini-Case #6 |
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Dec.
11 |
Ethical
Focus: Moral
Repair – Making Amends and Seeking
Forgiveness Required Making Amends
Exercise (Hand-out for Prof. Goodstein) SRB Discussion #6 |