BSM210 - Business Ethics

Subject Title
Business Ethics

Subject Description

This course invites students to explore ethics from two key perspectives. First, it focuses on personal ethics, prompting students to reflect on their own values, ethical dilemmas, relationship dynamics, and the significance of their decisions. Next, the course shifts to business ethics, where students investigate the intricate current ethical issues that businesses and employees encounter. They will learn strategies to reconcile personal ethics with corporate values. Through case studies, the course highlights how ethical considerations can significantly impact business success. Additionally, the course addresses ethical challenges related to sustainability. 
 
Finally, the Ethics module will teach you how to identify and fulfill your responsibilities to customers, employees, investors, and society, drawing on economic, legal, and ethical principles. 

Credit Status

One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Differentiate the stakeholders in a business and explain how business ethics impact each stakeholder.
2. Evaluate current contemporary issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion, artificial intelligence, privacy and whistle blowing within organizations.
3. Question the critical lens through which ethical issues and dilemmas in business are viewed.
4. Assess ethical theories as a framework for evaluating ethical dilemmas in business scenarios.
5. Evaluate and integrate the ethical components of various aspects of an organization's business practices, including Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development goals.
6. Analyze ethical principles and business practices through the perspectives of diverse cultures, including Indigenous Peoples.
7. Examine the significant impact that corporate culture has on ethical decision-making processes within organizations, including how cultural values and norms shape behavior and decision outcomes.
8. Appraise whether international business practices, particularly those of Canada, should be duplicated in international operations, considering the implications of globalization.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Show respect for diverse opinions, values, belief systems, and contributions of others.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

    •  Take responsibility for one's own actions, decisions, and consequences.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.