Global Impact: Business Ethics

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/business-ethics

Introduction

### Course Review: Global Impact: Business Ethics on Coursera In today’s rapidly evolving global marketplace, understanding the intricate relationship between business practices and ethical considerations is more vital than ever. The Coursera course titled **"Global Impact: Business Ethics"** is designed for individuals looking to navigate the complex terrain of business ethics in a global context. With its comprehensive curriculum, thought-provoking case studies, and interactive learning approach, this course stands out as a valuable resource for both professionals and students alike. #### Course Overview The course effectively dives into the fundamental principles of global business ethics, exploring how ethical considerations are tied to human relationships in commerce. Participants are guided through the challenges and responsibilities businesses face as they engage with diverse cultures and societal norms around the world. This makes it not only a moral inquiry but also a practical necessity for successful international commerce. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Course Orientation & Module 1: Is Ethics Part of Business?** - The introductory module serves as a gateway into the learning environment, allowing students to familiarize themselves with their peers and gain the technical skills needed to thrive. Here, the definition of ethics is unpacked, exploring moral reasoning through various frameworks like utilitarianism and theories of justice. The case analysis at the end of the module provides a practical application of these ethical theories, encouraging participants to think critically about moral decision-making in a business context. 2. **Module 2: Stakeholder Theory: Bayer CropScience in India** - In this module, students delve into stakeholder theory, distinguishing it from the more traditional shareholder management approach. By analyzing real-world cases such as Bayer CropScience in India, participants learn to apply stakeholder theory within the frameworks developed in the first module. This practical focus on case studies lets students see the impact of ethical considerations on corporate decisions. 3. **Module 3: In Rome Should We Do as the Romans Do?** - This module tackles the complex interplay of various ethical standpoints, including egoism, cultural relativism, and universalism. The inclusion of the “Greed is Good” speech challenges participants to critically assess these concepts. By analyzing ethical perspectives within a real-world context, students gain a nuanced understanding of the implications of ethical relativism in global business practices. 4. **Module 4: Why Do Good People and Good Organizations Do Bad Things?** - The final module addresses the moral challenges posed by globalization, especially in emerging markets. It invites participants to confront difficult questions about responsibility and partnership while shedding light on the duality of good intentions versus poor outcomes. This critical examination of institutional and individual ethical failures invites deep reflection on one’s role and capacity for positive change within a global context. #### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Global Impact: Business Ethics** course for anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of business operations. Whether you're a student pursuing a degree in business or a professional aiming to enhance your understanding of corporate responsibility, this course equips you with essential tools for assessing and navigating ethical challenges. It’s particularly relevant for those working in multinational organizations or aspiring to engage with diverse cultures in their professional journey. Beyond the theoretical knowledge, the course emphasizes the necessity of moral reasoning in business, thereby empowering students to enact change and foster ethical practices within their organizations. Engage with this course, and take the first step toward becoming a conscientious leader in global business! In conclusion, by blending theory with practical insights, the **Global Impact: Business Ethics** course promotes a framework for understanding the responsibilities that come with conducting business on a global scale. It’s not just a course; it’s an invitation to rethink our role in shaping a more ethical world through the lens of commerce. Enroll now to deepen your understanding and influence in the sphere of global business ethics!

Syllabus

Course Orientation & Module 1 Is Ethics Part of Business?

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Identify what we mean by ethics and moral reasoning. Learn about the “do the right thing” approach, utilitarianism, and theories of justice. Understand why these theories are important for moral reasoning and for commerce. Be familiar with the framework for moral reasoning. Apply this framework in a case analysis.

Distinguish stakeholder theory from managerial shareholder theory. Be able to use stakeholder theory in the framework for moral reasoning. Apply the model to one case, e.g., Merck, BHP or the Oil Rig.

Be able to distinguish egoism, role relativism, cultural relativism, ethical relativism and some forms of universalism. Apply these distinctions to the “Greed is Good” speech on the attached video. Apply these distinctions using the framework introduced in Module 1.

Understand the challenges of globalization in emerging markets. Change dependent mindsets about “the poor.” Distinguish the difference between “responsibility to” and “partnerships with.” Grasp how poverty can be alleviated even by students.