Business Ethics Title: Business Ethics
Subtitle: Lesson 7
Presented by: Fatima
Contact Information: makaremalakhlaaq@gmail.com

Welcome & Review of Previous Lessons

Welcome back!

In our previous lessons, we covered
◦ business terminology
◦ professional emails and reports
◦ public speaking and presentations
◦ negotiation skills
◦ cross-cultural communication
◦ and networking and relationship building.

Today, we’ll focus on business ethics.

Objectives of Today's Lesson

Today's objectives are to:

1. Understand the importance of business ethics.

2. Learn about key ethical principles in business.

3. Discuss ethical dilemmas and decision-making.

Importance of Business Ethics

Business ethics refers to the moral principles and guidelines that govern behaviors and decisions in the business world. Ethics are important because:

• They build trust and credibility with stakeholders.
• They promote a positive organizational culture.
• They guide decision-making in complex situations.

What experiences do you have with ethical dilemmas in business?

Ethical Principles in Business

Let’s explore some key ethical principles in business:

Integrity:
Upholding honesty and fairness in all dealings.

Transparency:
Being open and clear in communication and actions.

Accountability:
Taking responsibility for actions and decisions.

Compliance:
Following laws and regulations.

Respect for Stakeholders:
Valuing the interests and rights of all stakeholders.

Do you have any questions about these ethical principles?

Ethical Decision-Making Framework

Making ethical decisions involves considering the following framework:

Identify the Ethical Issue:
Clearly define the problem or decision.

Gather Information:
Collect relevant facts and perspectives.

Consider Stakeholders:
Identify those affected by the decision.

Explore Alternatives:
Generate and evaluate possible solutions.

Make a Decision:
Choose the option that aligns with ethical principles.

Evaluate the Decision:
Reflect on the outcome and adjust if necessary.

Let’s practice applying this framework to a hypothetical ethical dilemma.

Can you think of an example?

Ethical Dilemmas in Business

Ethical dilemmas are situations where conflicting moral principles make it difficult to make a decision. Common ethical dilemmas in business include:

Conflict of Interest:
Balancing personal and professional interests.

Whistleblowing:
Reporting unethical behavior within the organization.

Corporate Social Responsibility:
Balancing profit with social and environmental impacts.

Fairness in Hiring and Promotion:
Ensuring equal opportunities for all employees.

Have you encountered any ethical dilemmas in your career?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company’s commitment to operating in an ethical and sustainable manner.

CSR initiatives may include:
• Environmental sustainability efforts.
• Philanthropic activities and community involvement.
• Ethical labor practices and employee welfare.

What are your thoughts on the role of CSR in business?

Case Study Analysis

Let’s analyze a case study together to apply our understanding of business ethics.

I’ll present a scenario involving an ethical dilemma, and we’ll discuss it using the ethical decision-making framework.

Are you ready to dive into the case study? Present the case study scenario and guide the student through the analysis using the ethical decision-making framework. Encourage discussion and critical thinking.

Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership is essential for fostering an ethical culture within an organization.

Ethical leaders:
• Lead by example and uphold ethical standards.
• Communicate openly about ethics and values.
• Encourage ethical behavior and decision-making among employees.

What qualities do you think make a good ethical leader? Discuss the student’s thoughts and provide examples of ethical leadership.

Ethical Challenges in a Global Context

Ethical challenges can be amplified in a global business environment due to:

• Cultural differences in ethical norms.
• Legal and regulatory variations across countries.
• Supply chain complexities and ethical sourcing.

How do you think businesses can address these challenges? Discuss the student’s perspectives and explore strategies for addressing global ethical challenges.

Review & Q&A

Let’s review what we’ve covered today.

We discussed the
◦ importance of business ethics
◦ key ethical principles
◦ ethical dilemmas
◦ and ethical decision-making.

Do you have any questions or need any clarifications?

Exercises and Answers →

Homework Assignment

For your homework, please research and write a short reflection on a recent ethical dilemma in business news.

Describe the situation, analyze the ethical issues involved, and discuss possible resolutions.

We will discuss your reflection in our next class.

Do you have any questions about the assignment?

Preview of Next Lesson

In our next class, we’ll focus on business writing skills.

We’ll discuss effective writing techniques for business documents, including reports, proposals, and more.

Please review today’s material and come prepared with any questions.
I look forward to seeing you next time!

Next Lesson →