Synopsis of Module
The module examines issues relating to business ethics and corporate governance. Business ethics involves the examination of relationship between the organisations, those involved in the management of organisations and external stakeholders. Alternative perspectives will be critically examined to provide intellectual frameworks and vocabulary to enable the student to identify their own reactions to the subject and debate their positions with peers.
Corporate governance is concerned with the structures created by government and other regulatory bodies around the world to address some of the issues raised by an investigation of business ethics. In particular, the function and role of the board will be examined together with the type of relationships posited with shareholders and others with a stake in the organisation. The module will be delivered through lectures and seminars. The assessment, centred on the seminars, will involve peer and tutor based assessment and will seek to assess group and individual contributions to the seminar tasks.
Aims of Module
The module aims to:
| 1. | To provide students with an understanding of alternative frameworks relevant to an examination of business ethics; |
| 2. | Provide students with an opportunity to locate their own views with these frameworks and provide a vocabulary for appropriate debate and discussion; |
| 3. | Examine the impact of Business ethics on the development of corporate governance structures in specific jurisdictions and the extent to which ethical imperatives are reflected in those regulations |
| 4. | To examine the role, composition, responsibilities and ethical duties of the Board of directors in different countries; and |
| 5. | Provide students with an opportunity to evaluate the different responses to corporate governance and organisational ethical issues in the context of the claims of those outside the organisation. |
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module the student will be able to:
| a) | Critically appraise UK and international organisations' approaches to ethical issues and the implications for those organisations, individuals and society in general; |
| b) | Critically evaluate the different responses to corporate governance and the role of governance regulations in responding to issues raised an examination of the ethical issues impacting upon business organisations. |
Outline Syllabus
| 1. | Business ethical frameworks, including a consideration of professional ethics. |
| 2. | Shareholder and stakeholder perspectives in an ethical context |
| 3. | Corporate Social Responsibility |
| 5. | Governance Mechanisms : structure, substance and purpose |
| 6. | Governance in practice : UK, US and German and other international perspectives |
Summative Assessment
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