International Business Ethics - IIEI-303

Course Description: The historical roots of Western ethics are the starting point for this course that examines the role of an ethical value system in conducting international business in all countries. Short real-life scenarios and case studies are used to demonstrate how ethical dilemmas are viewed in business and their impact on modern business practices worldwide. Different systems of ethics found globally are contrasted to enable international business people to understand and appreciate the difference ethics has on conducting international trade.

Prerequisite: None

Course Credit: 3 Credit Hours

Major Course Topics & Course Outcomes

As a result of the group and individual activities included in this course, the student will acquire the following knowledge and skills that can be applied to the workplace:

Ethics and Morals define

• To understand the difference between ethics and morals.

What roll does Ethics play in international business?

• To understand the need that ethics fills at a personal and business level.

Majority View

• To appreciate the impact and importance of the majority view in maintaining an ethical business standard.

Rightness or Wrongness Feelings

• To appreciate the role of feelings in deciding moral issues

Conscience as a Ethical Indicator

• To be knowledgeable about the forces that shape conscience and conscience's role in conducting international business.

Culture and Ethics

• Possess an understanding of the moral implications of assigning ethical values outside of one's own culture.

Moral Judgment and Ethics

• To gain perspective in determination of each person's process of "rightness".

Ethics connection to Obligations, Ideals Consequences

• To realize the connection between ethics and obligations, ideals and consequences.

Forming an Ethical and Moral Position

• To know how to determine each person's own ethical and moral responsibility in an international business transaction.

Course Texts:

There is one textbook, plus a readings packet assigned for this course at this time. Each instructor posts additional current readings and materials that are obtained Online (for registered students only).

Ruggiero, Vincent R. Thinking critically about ethical issues. (6th Edition)
Mayfield, Mountain View, CA , 2000. ISBN 0-283188-X

Selected Readings Online.

Please note that textbooks are subject to change. Please contact your advisor before purchasing the textbook for your class to confirm.