Values in Organizations (formerly Business Ethics) (BUS 335)
Instructor: Dean R. Poirier, M.A., J.D.
Office Hours: By appointment
Communications: Home Phone: 919-658-0784, Main Office Phone: 910-296-1478, Fax: 910-296-1005
Email:
Course Information/Document Website: http://www.angelfire.com/nc3/poirieratmoc/values.html
Course Description: A contemporary, practical, issue-oriented course about business ethics. Specific topics covered will include: What are Business Ethics? The Role of Leadership in Developing a Culture of Integrity, Theories of Relationship, Environmental Causes, Globalization, Is Ethical Behavior Good for Business? Causes of Failures in Business Ethics, Self-Regulation of Business Ethics, Government Regulation of Business Ethics, Conflicts of Interest, Corporate Governance, Issues of Honesty (e.g. Advertising, Product Safety, Financial Reporting and Corruption/Bribery), Issues of Loyalty (e.g. Whistleblowing) and Issues of Fairness (e.g. Executive Compensation and Downsizing)
Course Objectives: To raise awareness of, and provide relevant and substantive information about, business ethics.
Textbooks & Supplemental Materials:
An Introduction to Business Ethics with Free Business Ethics Powerweb, Joseph R. Desjardins, McGraw-Hill, Aug. 2002. ISBN: 0-07-283647-4
Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Business Ethics and Society, 8th, Lisa H. Newton & Maureen M. Ford, McGraw-Hill, 2004. ISBN: 0-07-291719-9.
Major Course Requirements:
Class Participation in discussions
2 exams, in-class mid-term and take home final
1 group project & presentation, to draft & present a model code of conduct and a strategy for implementing and monitoring compliance with same
1 paper, 8 to 10 pages, double spaced, with appropriate notations on (choose 1):
a) a particular business ethics issue, research the issue, present alternative views & your conclusions (e.g. Sweatshops, good or bad? The ethics of outsourcing, etc.), or
b) a profile of a particular business leader who is arguably a business ethics hero (e.g. Aaron Feuerstein), or
c) a profile of a particular business that is arguably highly ethical (e.g. Southwest Airlines)
FINAL GRADE CALCULATION:
Class Participation: 10%
Group Project: 20%
Mid-Term Exam: 20%
Final Exam: 30%
Paper: 20%
SCORE GRADE
93-100 A
85-92 B
77-84 C
69-76 D
0-69 F
Assigned Readings: Assigned readings may be in course texts, supplements, library texts on reserve or accessible via the internet. Any assigned reading should be completed prior to class and students should come prepared to discuss same in class. Any material in an assigned reading may appear in a test, whether or not the material is covered during class time.
Additional Resources: Students are not required to read items indicated as additional resources, though students may voluntarily choose to read them to gain a wider, more well-rounded understanding of the subject area.
Class Break Times: There will be 2-10 minute breaks during each class. The first will occur on or about 7:15 p.m. and the second will occur on or about 8:30 p.m.
Common Courtesy: Please show common courtesy to your professor and classmates. Do not bring cell phones or beepers to class. Arrive on time and stay for the entire class period. Begin with the assumption that the opinions, positions and perspectives of others are sincerely held and worthy of respect. At the same time, challenge one another to support and defend our viewpoints with clearly reasoned arguments. In all events, we will treat all persons with dignity and respect, even if we personally reject their views.
Academic Honor Policy: “In academic affairs Mount Olive College operates according to an honor system which assumes that all members of the College community will respect the principles of honesty, integrity, and mutual trust. Students are expected to tell the truth, respect the property of others, and be honest. Any form of conscious and willful cheating, including plagiarism, is intellectually dishonest and will not be tolerated at Mount Olive College. At their discretion faculty may require students to sign the following statement: ‘I have neither given nor received help on this examination, assignment, or paper.’
Cheating is defined as the performance of any dishonest and deceptive act by which a student gives or receives information illicitly with the intent to deceive the instructor in the evaluation of the student’s work or represents the labor or knowledge of another as his/her own. The term “cheating” includes but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations: (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the faculty member supervising or assigning written papers, reports, problems, or other assignments; (3) the acquisition, without permission, or tests or other academic materials belonging to a member of the College community.
Plagiarism is defined as the use of the thoughts, writings, concepts, or visual representations of another person without proper acknowledgment and documentation. The Oxford English Dictionary defines plagiarism as ‘the wrongful appropriation or purloining and publication as one’s own, of the ideas, or the expression of the ideas (literary, musical, mechanical, etc.) of another.’ The term ‘plagiarism’ includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person or agency and engaging in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. Students are expected to understand the meaning of plagiarism and to avoid all suspicion of plagiarism in all their work. The syllabus of every course at Mount Olive College will include a statement regarding the honor system, banning cheating and plagiarism, and indicating sanctions that may follow any disregard of the policy.
Sanctions for cheating of plagiarism may include permanent separation from the College, suspension, disciplinary warning, or failure of the course involved. In cases of academic dishonesty, faculty members should confer with the Vice President for Academic affairs for procedures,” (Mount Olive College 2001-2003 Catalog, pp. 74-75).
Inclement Weather Policy: “Announcements of College closing or class suspension must be authorized by the President and will be broadcast on the campus cable system and local radio stations.
Mount Olive and Goldsboro Locations:
Radio Stations:
WDJS (AM) 1430 - Mount Olive
WKIX (FM) 102.3 - Goldsboro
WGBR (AM) 1150 - Goldsboro
WWMY (FM) 96.9 - Goldsboro
WSSG (AM) 1300 - Goldsboro
Television Stations:
WRAL-TV Channel 5 - Raleigh
WITN -TV Channel 7 - Washington
WNCT-TV Channel 9 - Greenville
Campus Cable System - Mount Olive,” (Mount Olive College 2001-2003 Catalog, pp. 69-97).
Attendance Policy: “All faculty members are required to keep attendance records and to report student absences to the appropriate office: to the Registrar’s Office for students enrolled in traditional programs at the Mount Olive location; to the program supervisor for students enrolled in modular programs at the Mount Olive location: to the location director for students enrolled at the Goldsboro, New Bern, the Research Triangle Park, or Wilmington locations.
In cases of personal illness, family emergency, or approved representation of the College at an event, a student may request an excused absence. The instructor may require written justification and verification for an excused absence. Approval of an absence as excused is at the discretion of the faculty member. An absence for any reason does not lessen a students responsibility to meet the requirements of the course. Work missed during an absence my be made up at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor has the authority to lower the course grade because of a student’s lack of attendance unless otherwise stated in the course syllabus.
NOTE: Veterans administration regulations concerning class attendance, conduct, and rate of progress are in effect at the College. Withdrawal from or unsatisfactory completion of courses may result in termination of veterans benefits and may require return of previously awarded benefits for that term of enrollment. All students eligible for veterans benefits should familiarize themselves with the College policies on attendance and academic eligibility for continuous enrollment. See Section 5.8 Academic Standing and program requirements in Section 7 Academic Departments,” (Mount Olive College 2001-2003 Catalog, pp. 78-79).
Traditional Programs: In traditional programs at all locations, unexcused absences shall not exceed the credit hours of the course. For example, a course of one semester hour will permit only one unexcused absence. If the number of unexcused absences is exceeded, the instructor may lower the student’s grade; process a drop form in the Registrar’s Office to drop the student from the course with a grade of F; or require additional work,” (Mount Olive College 2001-2003 Catalog, p. 79).
TLC: One-on-one and group tutoring sessions, study skills mentoring, workshops, and numerous learning resources are available throughout the semester free of charge at the Teaching and Learning Center. If you are interested in additional exposure to an academic area or need academic assistance, come by 547 Michael Martin Dr., Waylin Center, call (919) 658-2502, ext. 3252, or email
Disability Services: “Mount Olive College affirms its commitment to nondiscrimination of the basis of disability and its intention to comply with all lows prohibiting such discrimination including Section 504 or the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you have a documented disability and would like to request course or campus accommodations, contact the Director of the Teaching and Learning Center at 547 Michael Martin Dr., Waylin Center or call (919) 658-2502, ext.3252. Also, please notify your instructor during the first week of class of any special needs or concerns.
Make-Up Tests and Assignments: Missed tests and assignments will be completed at the discretion of the instructor.
Library Information:
Base Library: 722-5825
Monday - Thursday: 10:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday and Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:30PM
Sunday: 1:00 - 5:00
Closed Federal Holidays
Moye Library (Main Campus): 658-2502/Fax: 658-8934
Moye Library regular hours of operation:
Monday - Thursday: 7:45AM - 10:00PM
Friday: 7:45AM - 5:00PM
Saturday: 1:00PM - 5:00PM
Sunday: 6:00PM - 10:00PM
Wayne County Public Library: 735-1824
Regular Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00AM - 9:00PM
Friday and Saturday: 9:00AM - 5:30PM
Sunday: Closed
Syllabus
(Note: Since this is a “contemporary” course, there may be additional assignments added based upon new developments)
Class 1: What are Business Ethics?
Special Assignment: Prepare a definition of Business Ethics
Required Reading:
Metaethic Business Propositions: On Definition of Business Ethics, Cause, Vol. IV, No.1, Fall/Winter 2000.
http://www.metaethics.org/mbp/mbp0928.html
Additional Resources:
“Absolute Truth? Absolutely Not!”, Barna Research Group, 2002.
http://www.christianity9to5.org/articles2.cfm?article_id=35
A framework for universal principles of ethics, University of British Columbia, Center for Applied Ethics
http://www.ethics.ubc.ca/papers/invited/colero.html
Austin, Steve & Steelman, Mary (2004) Rise of the New Ethics Class, Integrity Advisors, Inc., P.O. Box 2267, Tarpon Springs, FL 34688-2267.
Badaracco, J. L., Jr., & Ellsworth, R. R. (1989). Leadership and the Quest for Integrity. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.
Bagley, C.E. (Feb. 2003) “The ethical leader’s decision tree”, Harvard Business Review, Vol. 81:2, p.18-19.
Blanchard, Ken (May 2001) “Managing by Values”, Executive Excellence.
Bowie, Norman, "Does It Pay to Bluff in Business?" in Ethical Theory and Business, ed. T. Beauchamp and N. Bowie, 3rd ed. (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1988), pp. 446-47.
Carter, Stephen L. Integrity. New York City: Harper Collins, 1996.
Centore, F.F., Two Views of Virtue : Absolute Relativism and Relative Absolutism, Contributions in Philosophy, 0084-926X ; No. 76, Greenwood Press, 2000.
Coady, C.A.J., "Business, Ethics and Moral Courage", Res Publica, Vol. 5 No. 2, Center for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics.
Cohen, Judy (2001) ‘Appreciating, Understanding, and Applying Universal Moral Principles’, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Volume 18, Number 7.
Dobson, Ryan, Be Intolerant: Because Some Things Are Just Stupid, Multnomah Publishers, 2003.
Del Vecchio, Gene (2003) A Knight’s Code of Business: How to Achieve Character and Competence in the Corporate World, Paramount Market Publishing.
Devos, Dick, Rediscovering American Values: The Foundations of Our Freedom for the 21st Century, Plume, November 1998.
Ford, R.C. and Woodrow, D.R. (1994) “Ethical Decision Making: A Review of the Empirical Literature”, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 13 (3), pp. 205-21.
Gardner, Howard et al, (2003), Good Work: When Excellence and Ethics Meet, Basic Books.
Gilman, Stuart G., Moral Courage and Ethical Character, Ethics Resource Center.
http://www.ethics.org/sg_corner_2003_09.html
Gough, R. W. (1998) Character is destiny: The value of personal ethics in every life. Rocklin, CA: Forum.
Hill, Alexander, “Dishonesty and Deception in Business”, from Just Business: Christian Ethics for the Marketplace, InterVarsity Press, P.O. Box 1400, Downers Grove IL 60515-1426.
http://www.christianity9to5.org/articles2.cfm?article_id=22
Jackall, R. (1988), Moral Mazes, OUP, Oxford (pp. 1-16).
Jones, T.M. (1991) “Ethical Decision Making by Individuals in Organizations: An Issue-Contingent Model”, Academy of Management Review, Vol. 16, pp. 366-395.
Josephson, M., & Hanson, W. (Eds.). (1998) The power of character. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Kennedy, John W. (May 28, 2004) “Euphemisms Tempt Christians to Conveniently Shed Guilt of Sin”, Religion Journal.Com.
http://www.religionjournal.com/showarticle.asp?id=1531
Kidder, Rushworth, How Good People Make Tough Choices: Resolving the Dilemmas of Ethical Living, William Morrow & Co., 1995.
Kritek, Phyllis Beck, Negotiating At An Uneven Table: Developing Moral Courage in Resolving Our Conflicts, Jossey-Bass, January 25, 2002.
Lencioni, Partick M. (July 2002) “Make your values mean something”, Harvard Business Review, pp. 113-117.
Low, T.W. et al. (2000) ‘A Review of Empirical Studies Assessing Ethical Decision Making in Business’, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 25 (3), pp. 185-204.
Mahoney, Jack, “Cultivating Moral Courage in Business”, Business Ethics: A European Review, Vol. 7, Issue 4, pp. 187-192.
Malphurs, Aubrey, Values Driven Leadership: Discovering and Developing Your Core Values for Ministry, Baker Books, 1996.
Maxell, John C. (August 2003) There’s No Such Thing as “Business Ethics”: There’s Only One Rule for Making Decisions, Warner Faith.
MacAdam, Millard M., Total Integrity, Broadman & Holman Publishers, October 1996.
Mitroff, Ian et al, A Spiritual Audit of Corporate America: A Hard Look at Spirituality, Religion, and Values in the Workplace, Jossey-Bass, October 1, 1999.
Nix, William H., Character Works, Broadman & Holman Publishers, July 1999.
Nwachukwu, S.L.S. and Vitell, S.J. (1997) “The Influence of Corporate Culture on Managerial Ethical Judgements”, Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 16, pp. 757-776.
Parkinson, J. Robert (March 22, 2004) “Thinking clearly, remembering values key to making the call”, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
http://www.jsonline.com/bym/career/mar04/216302.asp
Rokeach, M. (1979) Understanding Human Values: Individual and Societal, Free Press.
Scott, E.D. (2002) “Organizational moral values.”, Business Ethics Quarterly, 12(1), 333-355.
Seglin, J.L. & Augustine, N.R. (2000) The Good, the Bad, and Your Business: Choosing Right when Ethical Dilemmas Pull You Apart John Wiley & Sons.
Smedes, Lewis, Mere Morality (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983).