Business Ethics in a Globalized World, 7.5 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Entry requirements

• 120 ECTS credits passed from undergraduate studies including at least 60 ECTS credits in Business Administration, or equivalent
• English corresponding to the level of English in Swedish upper secondary education (Engelska 6)
  Exemption from Swedish

Intended learning outcomes

The overall aim of the course is to develop the student’s understanding of ethical issues in organizations in a global perspective with a particular focus on both knowing ethics and being ethical.

After completion of the course, the student should be able to

• account for and discuss critically key ethical theories in a historical and global perspective
• problematize and assess organizations’ ethical tools
• problematize and assess organizations’ engagement with social responsibility
• problematize and assess the consequences of unethical organizational behavior on people, other organizations and society
• reflect upon the individual’s responsibility and possibility to act as an ethical organizational member.

Course content

Ethical issues play an important role in various types of organizations in different parts of the world. This course problematizes and sheds light on ethical issues on different levels and in relation to different stakeholders. Key ethical theories and research are presented and discussed. Organizations’ work with ethical issues as well as the effect of their actions are scrutinized. The individual’s possibilities for acting ethically are analyzed. Different ethical issues and dilemmas are approached from a range of theoretical perspectives.

Teaching and working methods

The course will consist of lectures and seminars. Students will learn from individual work as well as team work. Homework and independent study are a necessary complement to the course. Language of instruction: English.

Examination

The course is examined through continuous individual and group assignments, and an individually written exam. Detailed information about the examination can be found in the course’s study guide.

If special circumstances prevail, and if it is possible with consideration of the nature of the compulsory component, the examiner may decide to replace the compulsory component with another equivalent component.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it.

If the coordinator has recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

An examiner may also decide that an adapted examination or alternative form of examination if the examiner assessed that special circumstances prevail, and the examiner assesses that it is possible while maintaining the objectives of the course.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is conducted in such a way that there are equal opportunities with regard to sex, transgender identity or expression, ethnicity, religion or other belief, disability, sexual orientation and age.

If special circumstances prevail, the vice-chancellor may in a special decision specify the preconditions for temporary deviations from this course syllabus, and delegate the right to take such decisions.

Department