An Introduction to Business Ethics

Part 1 Setting the scene: why business ethics?; the history of business ethics. Part 2 Business ethics - its scope and purpose: what is business ethics?; how is it done?; how is it possible?; why do it?; does it work?; cases and issues - ethically active businesses - the work of business in the community. Part 3 Ethical theory: cognitivism and non-cognitivism; religious morality; consequentialism v non-consequentialism; utilitarianism - an ethic of warfare; Kantianism - an ethic of duty; natural law - an ethic of rights; applying ethical theories; cases and issues - the new consumer survey. Part 4 Capitalism, markets and justice: what is capitalism?; markets, social markets, and market socialism; is capitalism just?; cases and issues - the story of NFC. Part 5 Corporations and responsibility: the nature of business corporations; social responsibility; identity and accountability; corporate governance; cases and issues - making the punishment fit the crime - the Zeebrugge disaster. Part 6 The workplace - employment: employment and rights; the "right to work"?; equality of opportunity; affirmative action; the fair wage; trade unions; employer rights and employee loyalties; cases and issues - Opportunity 2000. Part 7 Accounting and investment: ethics and the world of finance; the ethics of investment; privatization; case study - Polly Peck. Part 8 Reaching the markets: the ethics of persuasion; persuasion and respect for persons; a consequentialist view; advertising the readings; case study - cigarette advertising. Part 9 The greening of business: what is a green business?; green business or customer choice; case study - the Body Shop. Part 10 Ethics and international business: cases and issues - City of Joy.