Leader: Dr Elizabeth Prior Jonson (Clayton)

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2008 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2008 (Day)

Synopsis

Do corporations have any responsibilities beyond profit maximisation? To what extent should business activities be left to the operation of the free market and to what extent should they be regulated by government? This unit examines the theoretical foundations of the different answers that have been given to these two fundamental questions. More specifically it examines the topics of ethical issues in marketing, advertising and environmental protection regulation and corporate governance, human resource management and whistleblowing.

Objectives

The learning objectives of this unit are to:

• identify important ethical issues that arise in various business contexts;
• demonstrate a sound understanding of the ethical concepts and philosophical frameworks that are relevant for understanding ethical problems;
• explain the implications of adopting different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility;
• critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility;
• critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different mechanisms for regulating business behaviour.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 40%
Examination (3 hours): 60%

Contact hours

Three hours contact per week.

Prerequisites

Completion of 12 units (72 points) of study.