HND Business Ethics                              

Unit Aim   

To introduce learners to the concept of business ethics and to examine its relevance when considering business objectives and responsibilities.    

Learning Outcome

1. Understand different ethical perspectives in business

1.1 Explain the background and development of theoretical ethical approaches

1.2 Compare and contrast absolute and relative ethics

1.3 Explain the ethical issues which can affect the operational activities of a business

2. Understand business objectives from an ethical perspective

2.1 explain how business objectives are affected by ethical considerations

2.2 Evaluate the implications for a business and its stakeholders to operate ethically.

3. Understand ethics in workplace relationships

3.1 Assess the role of the company acting as a moral agent

3.2 Analyse the development of mechanism for achieving employee involvement and empowerment

4. Be able to assess a current ethical issue in a business

4.1 Research a current ethical issue affecting a selected business

4.2 Report on how the business could improve the ethics of their operations whilst meeting objectives and ensuring good employer/employee relationships.

4.3 Design a suitable ethical code

Task One

PowerPoint Presentation (individual)

LO1 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.

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.

Consider the following; deontology, natural law, virtue ethics, Utilitarian, Kant, Mill, Aquinas

(You can use this link as a sample for your timeline. It does not mean you need to use it).

1.2: 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.

Consider the following; situational theory, natural law, Kant, Mill etc.

1.3: 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.

Consider the following; suppliers, contractors, agencies, human rights, fair trading, CSR, corporate governance etc.

Task 2

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).

Use the following business to answer the questions that follow.

Using your research of the company complete the following questions;

2.1: Explain how Pfizer’s objectives are affected by ethical considerations.

2.2: Using the explanations from the 2.1, evaluate the implications for Pfizer and their stakeholders to operate ethically.

TASK 3

In order to understand ethics in workplace relationships, you are going to use Marks and Spencer as your case study for his section.

3.1: Assess the role of M&S acting as a moral agent.

3.2: Analyse the development of mechanisms employed by M&S for achieving employee involvement and empowerment.

Task Four

You 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.

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.

Consider; globalization, environment, corruption, CSR, ecology, child labour, carbon footprint etc.

4.2: 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.

Consider; personal attitudes, contribution to the business community, ethics in sales and marketing, ethics in intellectual property, whistle blowing, legal and regulatory compliance etc.

4.3: 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.

Design 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.

M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions

M2 Select / design and apply appropriate methods / techniques

M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings

D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions

D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities