Dear Student
This course introduces you to Business Ethics. Business Ethics is a form of Applied Ethics that focuses on the moral principles that should govern business practices, and on the ethical issues that can arise in a business context. At first glance it might appear odd to talk about applying ethical considerations to business activities. After all, the rules and motivations, such as the desire for profit, that govern business might seem to have little connection to the sort of things we talk about when we ask ourselves what it is to behave ethically. However, regardless of the profit-motive that recurs in business activities, it always the case that business activities involve human relations. For instance, a business has a relationship with its customers, with its shareholders, and with its employees. And wherever we find human relations, then we find ethical issues. For, wherever we find human relations, then there are arise questions of how we ought to act. In other words, ethical questions.
In this course we will introduce three of the major systems of ethical thought, namely ubuntu, consequentialism, and deontological theory. You will then be taught how to apply these ethical perspectives to a variety of the different relationships that occur in the world of business. In addition to considering the different ethical issues that can arise in relations between a business and its customers, shareholders and employees, we will also explore other contemporary issues in business ethics, such as corporate social responsibility to the environment and community. We will also look at the ethical issues that arise from conducting business in a worldwide market, and will focus on topics such as the ethics of bribery, globalisation and the challenges of intercultural communication.
The module will teach you to apply the different ethical theories employed in this course to a variety of different topics in business ethics. It will also teach you to critically evaluate business scenarios from an ethical perspective, and how to develop your own position on diverse ethical issues and how to argue in defence of your position. You will also learn how to critically analyse and evaluate the ethical interpretations of others. In this way, the course develops the skills of reasoning, critical thinking and problem solving. An added benefit is learning how to actively listen and how to take notes. You will also be introduced to basic reference writing. In addition to this the course aims to provide the student with a sufficient grasp of ethical theory that, by the end of the course, they should be able to carry out their own ethical investigations and case-studies.
You may have various lecturers delivering lectures depending on their specialisation as well as sitting in class and marking your assignments.
We will use various methods and techniques, including blended-learning, and will make extensive use of the University of Zululand’s Moodle system. Students must register themselves on Moodle for this course from the outset. In the course of your leaning you will listen, discuss, watch, and write, so as to engage a variety of learning skills. We urge students with special needs (e.g. hearing, mobility, eyesight problems) to make themselves known to the teaching staff as soon as possible. We will try to accommodate you to the best of our abilities.
Lecturer’s expectations
We expect you to come to lectures and be actively involved in the activities, as guided by lecturers. We assume that you will critically engage with the material, participate in class discussions and contribute to the philosophical dialogue. We also expect you to respect your lecturers and fellow students. Finally, we look forward to working with you this semester.
Roles and responsibilities of the students
- Please, attend all classes. We will not repeat lectures and, if you miss out, you will have to catch up on your own.
- Since this is a course which relies on you being able to think for yourself, we do not provide specific notes or a set book. You may be asked to read texts provided for you on the course’s website. However, your notes from lectures will form the main source for revision. You will quickly learn to listen and take notes accordingly. Please, always have a pen (preferably more than one, especially during exams) and paper ready.
- Please, make sure that you have a valid University email address as this will be the mode of communication with students.
- The lecturer/s will have consultation hours. However, the lecturers will not be repeating lectures that you have missed. If you wish to consult, you must come prepared with questions that we can look at.
- Respect for both lecturers and your classmates is of utmost importance, so:
- Avoid activities which are disruptive.
- Stop all the private conversations as you enter the venue.
- Do not speak in class unless you have been asked to discuss a topic in groups.
- Keep your cell phone in your bag, switched off, for the duration of the class – your attention in class has to be undivided.
- Feel free to raise your hand at any time if you have a question or a comment regarding the lecture or course.
- Due to the nature of this course, it is important that you actively participate in class discussions.