Introduction to Organisational Behaviour and Ethics

Assignment -

Details of what you are expected to do:

Rationale
This assignment brief encourages exploration of the nature of business ethics and the theories and practices that would encourage ethical behaviour within the workplace.

The learning outcomes being assessed

The assignment will assess the following ILO's as per the unit specification within the unit guide.

- Examine the nature and complexity of the field of management ethics by the student both theory and actual organisational practices.
- Appreciation of the range of managerial practices that may be employed to encouraging ethical behaviour.

Overview of assignment

Please see the details outlined below which explains the task in full. You are asked to complete Section A & Section B.

THE TASK

PLEASE ANSWER BOTH SECTION A & B.

Section A.

Section A consists of 5 questions. Please answer ALL questions. You should write approximately 150 words for each question. Please include one bibliography at the end of the section to cover all 5 questions.

1. Why is 'business ethics' important?

2. Outline what you understand by the 'ethical relativism' focusing in particular on 'cultural relativism'

3. Discuss how Kant's ethics of duty suggests we should decide if an action will be ethical or not.

4. Explain the main assumptions of 'Utilitarianism' as an ethical theory.

5. Discuss how an understanding of the 'Ethics of Rights' might change business behaviour.

Section B

Please answer any ONE of the following essay questions. In your answer maximise reference to the academic literature ( including e-chapters, core texts). Please include a full bibliography. Your answer should be 1500 words +/- 10%.

6. Should a company take seriously arguments for corporate social responsibility (CSR) ? Discuss.

OR

7. Discuss the importance of both individual and situational influences on individual's ethical decision making.

OR

8. Outline the tools and techniques that a company seeking to be more ethical might use to encourage ethical behaviour throughout the organization.