Master Syllabus: MGT 423 - Business & Society
College of Business and Economics, University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
On this page:
I. Catalog Description
MGT 423 Business Ethics (3) Examination of the ethical and social responsibilities of businesses and management, including introductions to prominent ethical theories as they pertain to business ethics. Pre: C or better in BUS 240; C or better in MGT 300.
II. Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)
In meeting the challenge of this course, successful students will:
1. comprehend prominent systems of philosophical ethics insofar as they form the foundation for business ethics;
2. develop a clear account of their own individual ethical values;
3. comprehend concepts that underlie the theory and practice of corporate social responsibility;
4. demonstrate critical thinking skills by imagining problem situations where business operations or decisions raise societal or environmental concerns;
5. reflect upon ways to make more socially responsible, ethical, or sustainable decisions;
6. demonstrate an appreciation for cross-cultural insights regarding issues in business ethics; and
7. prepare items for a professional portfolio which reflect student thinking on ethical and societal issues as they relate to business (e.g., cover letter which articulates students’ personal values in relation to the values of target companies, personal statement with an emphasis on ethical outlook)
III. Course Materials
The materials required for this course may include any articles, videos, textbook chapters, and lecture notes.
IV. Teaching Methods
This course may utilize lectures, lecture notes, and group discussions as the primary means of teaching, and places emphasis on student-centered learning.
V. Evaluation Tools
This course may utilize exams/quizzes, written essays, written exercises, self-assessments, and oral participation.
VI. Course Content:
Typical major course topics:
- Philosophy, Ethics, and Business Ethics
- Normative Ethical Theories
- Shareholder Primacy and The Stakeholder Concept
- Stakeholder Theory and Stakeholder Prioritization
- Corporate Social Responsibility
- Corporate Personhood
- The Tragedy of the Commons
- Corporate Environmental Responsibility
- Triple Bottom Line, ESG, and sustainability frameworks
- Deep Ecology, Earth Jurisprudence
- Agribusiness
- Animal Ethics
- What employers owe employees
- What employees owe employers
- Diversity/Inclusivity
- Religion
VII. Support of Program Learning Goals
| Program Learning Objective | Alignment with CLOs | Assessed PLO? (y/n) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective 1. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply basic functional business applications | 3, 4, 5, 7 | n | |
| Objective 2A. Express ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively in oral communication | 4, 5 | n | |
| Objective 2B. Express ideas clearly, logically, and persuasively in written communication | 2, 4, 5, 7 | y | |
| Objective 3. Demonstrate the ability to solve complex and unstructured quantitative problems using appropriate tools and technology | - | n | |
| Objective 4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in appraising evidence, issues, and arguments, as well as in developing proposals and positions regarding pertinent issues and problems. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | y |