MGC3100

Management ethics

Dr Elizabeth Prior Jonson

6 points · One 2-hour lecture per week and one 1-hour tutorial per week · First semester · Clayton · Prerequisites: MGC1020, MGC1030

Objectives On completion of this subject students should have the ability to identify important ethical issues and dilemmas that arise in various business contexts; have an understanding of the moral social and economic environments within which those dilemmas occur; have a sound understanding of the ethical concepts and philosophical frameworks that are relevant for resolving ethical problems; have the ability to apply ethical concepts and frameworks to moral dilemmas in business; have developed the necessary reasoning and analytical skills for resolving those ethical dilemmas in a critical and creative manner.

Synopsis The primary focus of this subject is ethics as it applies to business. The subject will begin by providing a framework of basic principles for understanding what is meant by 'good' and 'right'. It will then proceed to discuss the implications these have for management, and to explore contemporary issues facing today's manager. Topics may include multinationals and global ethics; bribery; affirmative action, employee rights; whistleblowing; product safety; ethical issues in marketing, advertising and environmental protection. The focus will be upon practical problem solving and a wide range of contemporary case materials, in which managers try to reconcile the demands of principle and expediency, will be utilised.

Assessment Written (assignment 3000 words): 40% · Tutorial participation: 10% · Examination (2 hours): 50%

Prescribed texts

Clark G L and Prior-Jonson E Management ethics: Theory, cases and practice Harper, 1995
Prior Jonson E and Greenwood M R Management ethics: Collected readings 1998

Back to the 1999 Business and Economics Handbook