Learning Activity #1

Ethics: A Personal Perspective, Part II

In your first Learning Activity for week 1 you discussed some things that come to mind when you think of the word "ethics." Over the course of the past 8 weeks, has your view or conception of ethics changed in any way?

If yes, is there a specific moment you can identify and describe that triggered the change (a reading(s), or posting(s), discussion(s) with colleague(s) for example)? If your view or conception did not change, why do you think this is the case? How can what you learned in the course be applied in your professional and/or personal life?

Learning Activity #2

Business Codes of Ethics: Much Ado About Nothing, or the Real Deal

"Starbucks Code of Behavior" discusses the approaches and provisions this company has utilized in its attempts to establish a credible ethical environment.

There seems to be a divergence of opinion on the value or lack thereof of a business code of ethics. Some have argued that business codes of ethics have little value or utility and are merely for public show and consumption.

According to these proponents, corporations merely pay lip service to their codes of ethics. On the other hand, it has been argued that business codes of ethics are an essential and vital part of the ethical fabric of corporations.

Using the aforementioned article as a starting point, what is your perspective on the value or lack thereof of a business code of ethics? Do you think such a code is merely for public show and consumption? Do you think a corporation simply pays lip service to its code of ethics? Why do you feel this way?