BUS 40400 - Social, Legal, And Ethical Implications Of Business Decisions

Covers topics in corporate social responsibility and the social control of business; the major ethical theories relevant to determining that responsibility; and applications of those theories in areas such as financial management, competition, marketing, advertising, the environment, employer-employee relations, and the international arena. The course addresses some of the major questions about the ethical responsibilities of businesses. Should a business just look out for its “bottom line,” or should it look out for its employees, customers, community, and environment, too? When a business operates in a foreign country, is it morally obligated to pay wages that would be considered fair in America, or is it enough to abide by local laws and regulations? and how can the ethical point of view shed light on disasters such as the Challenger explosion?

Preparation for Course
P: BUS 30100, 30101, 30102, 30200, and 32100 with grades of C- or better.
Senior class standing.

Cr. 3.
Notes
Enrollment in business (BUS) courses numbered 30100 and above is restricted to students who meet established criteria: business majors who have met the pre-business requirements and been admitted into one of the business majors; or students that have declared other pre-approved programs or minors which require particular business courses, and completed all course prerequisites; or students that have obtained written permission from the department through which the course is offered.
Student Learning Outcomes
1. Know key terms pertaining to societal, legal, and ethical realms and their interrelation with business situations.
2. Diagnose problems in business decisions.
3. Understand how to handle situations requiring an understanding of ethics under conditions of ambiguity.
4. Learn to construct opinions based on factual knowledge.
5. Integrate theory with practical application.
6. Develop deeper business analysis and thinking skills.