business ethics
\nLearning Outcome 1. Understand different ethical perspectives in business<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Task no.
\nEvidence
\n(Page no)
\nLO1 Understand different ethical perspectives in business 1.1 explain the background and development of theoretical ethical approaches In-class assessment
\n1.2 compare and contrast absolute and relative ethics
\n1.3 explain the ethical issues which can affect the operational activities of a business<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome 2. Understand business objectives from an ethical perspective<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Task no.
\nEvidence
\n(Page no)
\nLO2 Understand business objectives from an ethical perspective 2.1 explain how business objectives are affected by ethical considerations Report
\n2.2 Evaluate the implications for a business and its stakeholders to operate ethically.<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome 3. Understand ethics in workplace relationships<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Task no.
\nEvidence
\n(Page no)
\nLO3 Understand ethics in workplace relationships 3.1 Assess the role of the company acting as a moral agent Report
\n3.2 Analyse the development of mechanism for achieving employee involvement and empowerment<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome 4. Be able to assess a current ethical issue in a business<\/p>\n
Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Task no.
\nEvidence
\n(Page no)
\nLO4 Be able to assess an ethical issue in a business 4.1 Research a current ethical issue affecting a selected business Report
\nAnd for the design (4.3) any method you think is suitable.
\n4.2 Report on how the business could improve the ethics of their operations whilst meeting objectives and ensuring good employer\/employee relationships.
\n4.3 Design a suitable ethical code<\/p>\n
Learner declaration
\nI certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged.
\nStudent signature: Date:
\nThe word \u2018ethics\u2019 comes from the Greek word \u2018ethikos\u2019, meaning \u2018character\u2019. One way to think about business ethics is to consider the ethics of people you might know. Individuals have different standards of ethics and so do businesses. In the business world, the organisation\u2019s culture sets standards for determining the difference between good and bad decision making and behavior. Business ethics could be viewed as knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing to do what is right. Business ethics can be used to describe the actions of individuals within organisations, as well as the organisation as a whole.
\nSo studying no more than four businesses from different industries you will be able to understand what business ethics is and how businesses are affected by it. You will explore and develop ideas and opinions on how ethics fits in business and what the business actually do in the name of ethical behavior.<\/p>\n
Task One<\/p>\n
PowerPoint Presentation (individual)<\/p>\n
LO1 AC, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3. You need to use all the information you have learnt in class to complete the assignment. All tasks should be done individually and completed by dates given by the tutor. You will be given time slots which you have to adhere to and make sure you include pictures in your presentation.<\/p>\n
1.1: Using the theories studied in class, create a timeline that explains the background and development of theoretical ethical approaches. You can use the timeline templates given in class.
\nConsider the following; deontology, natural law, virtue ethics, Utilitarian, Kant, Mill, Aquinas
\nhttp:\/\/www.smartdraw.com\/software\/timeline-template.htm.
\n(You can use this link as a sample for your timeline. It does not mean you need to use it).
\n1.2: In relation to the theories you have studied in class and in AC 1.1, compare and contrast absolute and relative theories. Use an example of a business to do this task.
\nConsider the following; situational theory, natural law, Kant, Mill etc.
\n1.3: Using the example of a business you chose for 1.2, explain the ethical issues which can affect the operational activities of a business. Here you need to look at operational activities and ethical issues which can have an impact on those activities.
\nConsider the following; suppliers, contractors, agencies, human rights, fair trading, CSR, corporate governance etc.
\nFor LO1 you can achieve M1 and M3 in all the tasks (See attached document on the Ms and Ds for the assignments).
\nTask 2<\/p>\n
You have been approached by your manager to produce a business article paper that will demonstrate your knowledge of business ethics. You are required to produce a report using a word document. This will include all the tasks (task two, task three and task four).
\nLO2 AC 2.1, 2.2, 2.3. Use the following business to answer the questions that follow.<\/p>\n
Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company that is global based. They produce medicines for people around the world and it claims that \u201cgood health is vital\u201d to them. They also claim to use justifiable means in producing medicines that are needed in the world using science and their global resources. They produce medicines that prevent diseases and they are working towards coming up with new products that will prevent\/cure challenging diseases that we see in our daily lives like Alzheimer\u2019s and cancer. They are focused on their customers and their shareholders has they strive to be transparent and listening to the people who are involved in making decisions about health issues. Recently, Pfizer has had some problems (they failed to take over the British company AstraZeneca, much to the chagrin of many) and scandals that are usually associated with pharmaceutical companies like animal testing, testing drugs on children to mention but a few. In 2012, it also paid about $60 million to settle charges of bribery. A lot of multinational\/global companies make very good case studies on ethics and Pfizer is one of those.
\nUsing your research of the company complete the following questions;
\n2.1:Explain how Pfizer\u2019s objectives are affected by ethical considerations. (M1).
\nYou are required to explainPfizer\u2019s corporate objectives and how they are affected by ethical considerations.Consider; response to ethical pressures, implementing ethical practices, public image, UK Law, EU Law, mission and vision of the organisation along with corporate objectives, ethical considerations, etc.
\n2.2: Using the explanations from the 2.1, evaluate the implications for Pfizer and their stakeholders to operate ethically. (M1, D1).
\nGive explanations on Stakeholders and their interests and evaluate the implications: good or bad\/ pros and cons for Pfizer to operate ethically\/decently\/justly. Consider; owners, employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, public image, ethical pressures, value added, complying with relevant legislation, influence of stakeholders and pressure groups etc.<\/p>\n
TASK 3
\nLO3 AC. 3.1, 3.2, 3.3.
\nIn order to understand ethics in workplace relationships, you are going to use Marks and Spencer as your case study for his section.
\nM&S has been named as one of the World\u2019s Most Ethical (WME) companies by the Ethisphere Institute for two years running. M&S was established in 1884 by Michael Mark who later joined forces with Tom Spencer in 1894. M&S is now a well recognized company all over the world. With 129 years under their belt from a single stall in Leeds to an international company, M&S operates in over 50 territories employing just over 82000 people, has 766 stores in the UK, with products ranging from clothing, food and home products. M&S operates under 5 key principles that were laid down by its founders and they are; Quality, Value, Service, Innovation and Trust and this has not changed for the many years they have been operational. M&S has come up with their Plan A which is their eco and ethical programme that they follow in their operations. It is worth noting that their caf\u00e9 is the 3rd largest coffee chain in the UK. M&S claim that they\u201care committed to an active Equal Opportunities Policy, from recruitment and selection, through training and development, appraisal and promotion, right up to retirement. We treat everyone equally regardless of age, gender, gender reassignment, colour, ethnic or national origin, disability, hours of work, nationality, religion or belief, marital or civil partner status, disfigurement, political opinions or sexual orientation\u201d (M&S Ethical Code, 2014).
\n3.1: Assess the role of M&S acting as a moral agent. (M1, M2).
\nHere you have to define what a moral agent is and explain the characteristics that set M&S apart from any other businesses. Remember M&S has been identified as one of the most ethical business in the UK, therefore, from your research, identify why this is so, you should mention what they do in terms of employee and workplace relationships. What do they do thatmakes them ethical?
\n3.2: Analyse the development of mechanisms employed by M&S for achieving employee involvement and empowerment (M1, D1).
\nHere you can define what employee involvement and empowerment is. What strategies does M&S adopt to involve and empower their employees? Analyse these strategies employed by M&S in achieving employee involvement and empowerment. Consider; job enlargement, training, access to information, improved morale, increased productivity, team cohesion, innovation, contractual responsibilities, equal opportunities etc.<\/p>\n
Task Four<\/p>\n
LO4 AC. 4.1, 4.2, 4.3
\nYou have been employed by Shell as junior business analyst and you have tasked with helping the company in identifying an ethical issue that affects its business as they strive to do better ethically. After you have found the issue, you will be asked to report on how the business can improve their ethical behavior at the same time meeting the objectives. You also have been asked to design an ethical code that all employees have follow in their day to day operations of the business.
\nIn this part of the section you are required to study an ethical issue in detail and how it\u2019s affecting the business. In order to complete the article you need to study Shell. Shell is company that has shied away from scandal all over the world. Their behavior has been questioned by many a times. The $1.1bn corruption scandal in Nigeria, Irish Shell Corrib Alcohol bribery, these are one of a few scandals that have been on the news about Shell recently. Shell is a global company that operates in many countries around the world and wherever it is based there is a need for it to operate in an ethical manner. So using the knowledge and the skills you have gained throughout your lessons, class discussions and research, you need to investigate a current issue and explain how it affects Shell (4.1) (M1, M2).
\nConsider; globalization, environment, corruption, CSR, ecology, child labour, carbon footprint etc.
\n4.2: After you have studied and investigated the ethical issue in 4.1, you now need to report on how Shell could improve the ethics of their operations whilst meeting objectives and ensuring good employer\/employee relationships (M1, D1).
\nConsider; personal attitudes, contribution to the business community, ethics in sales and marketing, ethics in intellectual property, whistle blowing, legal and regulatory compliance etc.
\n4.3:In light of the issues that you have identified in 4.1 and 4.2 design your own suitable ethical code for Shell and exclude the one they already have (M1, D2).
\nDesign a suitable ethical code that overcomes the drawbacks you have identified. Use any method that you want for this part, cardboards, word, publisher, flipchart, video to mention but a few. An example for you to look into is the ethical code designed by Apple: http:\/\/www.apple.com\/supplier-responsibility\/
\nReading list<\/p>\n
Textbooks<\/p>\n
Carroll B A \u2013 Business Ethics: Brief Readings on Vital Topics (Routledge, 2009) ISBN: 9780415997362<\/p>\n
Crane A and Matten D \u2013 Business Ethics (Oxford University Press, 2003) ISBN: 9780199255153<\/p>\n
Fisher C and Lovell A \u2013 Business Ethics and Values: Individual, Corporate and International Perspectives (Financial Times\/Prentice Hall, 2008) ISBN:
\n9780273716167<\/p>\n
Journals<\/p>\n
Business Review Magazine (Philip Allan Updates)
\nEconomic Review Magazine (Philip Allan Updates)
\nEthical Consumer (Ethical Consumer Research Association Publishing Ltd)
\nEmerald Full Text (LSBF Access)<\/p>\n
Websites<\/p>\n
www.business-ethics.com Business Ethics \u2013 Corporate responsibility online magazine
\nwww.ethical-junction.org Ethical businesses directory for the UK and
\nIreland
\nwww.ibe.org.uk Institute of Business Ethics<\/p>\n
In addition to the above PASS criteria, this assignment gives you the opportunity to submit evidence in order to achieve the following MERIT and DISTINCTION grades<\/p>\n
Grade Descriptor
\nIndicative characteristic\/s
\nContextualisation
\nM1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions Effective judgments have been made.<\/p>\n
An effective approach to study and research has been applied. To achieve M1, you will make effective judgements and used an effective approach to study and research applied. You would have used correct Harvard referencing using a wide range of resources. A clear and concise well-structured argument should be applied in your work. (LO1- the flipchart should be done in such a way that it shows creativity; you can use different coloured pens and structure-mind maps, to explain your answers) LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4.
\nM2 Select \/ design and apply appropriate methods \/ techniques Appropriate learning methods\/techniques have been applied. To achieve M2, you will have used suitable techniques to explore the role of the company acting as a moral agent (LO3 3.1).
\nYou will also apply the same techniques in researching a ethical issue affecting a selected business (LO4 4.1)
\nM3 Present and communicate appropriate findings Communication is appropriate for familiar and unfamiliar audiences and appropriate media have been used. To achieve M3 the work you present will be presented in suitable business formats and will use business terminology accurately.
\n(LO1)
\nD1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions Conclusions have been arrived at through synthesis of ideas and have been justified.<\/p>\n
Realistic improvements have been proposed against defined characteristics for success. To achieve D1 you would have made conclusions by evaluating the implications for a chosen business and its stakeholders to operate ethically( LO2 2.2 )
\nYou will analyse and make conclusions on the development of mechanisms for achieving employee involvement and empowerment (LO3 3.2)
\nYou will make conclusions and make realistic improvement on the ethics of a chosen business whilst meeting objectives and ensuing good employer\/employee relationships (LO4 4.2
\nD2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities Activities have been managed. To achieve D2 you will have demonstrated an effective approach to independent research and study and will have met the deadline to submit the tasks and achieve the unit assessment criteria. You would have designed a suitable ethical code
\n(LO4 4.3)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
business ethics Learning Outcome 1. Understand different ethical perspectives in business Learning Outcome Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria In this assessment you will have the opportunity to present evidence that shows you are able to: Task no. Evidence (Page no) LO1 Read More …<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16128"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16128\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benedictsol.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}