ORG439 Culture and Ethics (Høst 2020)

On successful completion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate:

• an understanding of what culture is and the implications of cultural differences for practical management in a multinational organization
• in-depth knowledge of ethical schools of thought and an ability to reflect on and discuss the implications of these
• ability to apply ethical reasoning in business decisions
• an awareness of the sustainability agenda facing global business, including climate change and resource scarcity, and an understanding of different ways in which companies respond
• ability to discuss and criticise different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) including strategic CSR
• an understanding of what a shift to a ‘circular economy’ might entail and how this relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’ 

The topics covered in the course include:

• a thorough introduction to culture and cultural differences including ethnocentrism
• key studies of culture
• three basic ethical schools of thought
• business responses to climate change and resource scarcity
• different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategic CSR (shared value), CSR as risk management and ethical CSR
• ethical issues in international business, politics and trade
• critical perspectives on CSR and company conduct, including examples of greenwashing
• introduction to circular economy principles and practices

Two short written pieces (individual) and a group presentation. Information regarding the requirements will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.