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SOC 215 Business Ethics

This course examines the philosophical foundation of morality and ethics. Theory is applied to a variety of business situations using examples and case studies. Situations are viewed from the perspectives of businesses, employees, consumers, and society. The student develops an appreciation of the complexities of moral dilemmas.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisites: (Test scores or ENG 102 or higher) and BUS 101

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

SOC 215 Business Ethics

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: (Test scores or ENG 102 or higher) and BUS 101

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course examines the philosophical foundation of morality and ethics. Theory is applied to a variety of business situations using examples and case studies. Situations are viewed from the perspectives of businesses, employees, consumers, and society. The student develops an appreciation of the complexities of moral dilemmas.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Evaluate business ethics, and consider its relevance and importance to organizations. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC MKT 1, 2, 7; PGC GBT 1, 2, 6)
  2. Evaluate the competitive marketplace, and debate ethical issues faced by management and business executives. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC MKT 1, 2, 7; PGC GBT 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
  3. Outline the decision support model for making ethical decisions. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC MKT 1, 2; PGC GBT 1, 2, 6)
  4. Argue the moral principles used to decide when an ethical dilemma exists in a business context. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC MKT 1, 2, 7; PGC GBT 1, 2, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Evaluate business ethics, and consider its relevance and importance to organizations.
    1. Discuss business ethics.
    2. Discuss the history and evolution of various ethical theories. 
    3. Compare and contrast opposing ethical theories and their limitations.
    4. Interpret ethical dilemmas and why "good" people might engage in unethical behavior.
    5. Explain the role of values in ethical decision making.
    6. Illustrate the ethical issues arising in global business.
    7. Outline a process for ethically responsible decision making.
    8. Explain how the triple bottom line theory impacts a corporation's level of commitment to corporate social responsibility. 
    9. Explain the impact of managerial roles on the nature of our decision making.
    10.   Explain the role of corporate branding, reputation, and social responsibility. 
  2. Evaluate the competitive marketplace, and debate ethical issues faced by management and business executives.
    1. Apply an ethical decision-making framework to issues in marketing, manufacturing, human resources, and finance.
    2. Assess the ethical sources of privacy as a fundamental value.
    3. Identify and discuss the implications of technology on ethics.
  3. Outline the decision support model for making ethical decisions.
    1. Explain the ethical tradition of utilitarianism and how it applies to economic and business decision making.
    2. Explain principle-based, or deontological, and egoistic ethical traditions.
    3. Distinguish moral rights from legal rights.
    4. Articulate how conflicts of interest can arise for business professionals.
    5. Distinguish between primary and secondary stakeholders related to ethical decisions.
  4. Argue the moral principles used to decide when an ethical dilemma exists in a business context.
    1. Explain how corporate culture and the role of leadership impact ethical decision making.
    2. Discuss the differences between a compliance culture and a values-based culture.
    3. Correlate the role of mission statements and codes of conduct in creating an ethical corporate culture.
    4. Outline the key components of an ethics policy.
    5. Discuss the role and responsibility of assessing, monitoring, and auditing the culture and ethics program.
    6. Critique various rewards for ethical behavior used by organizations.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Summative: Exams (3-5) (equally weighted)

Research Paper

1-2 Business Ethics Analyses

50%

20%

10%

Formative: Activities/Discussion Boards/Quizzes, etc.

20%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

BSSAASMKT

  1. Integrate professional, ethical, and legal standards into business practice.
  2. Employ the various theories of management and marketing in a business.
  3. Develop integrated sales presentations.
  4. Utilize graphic design elements to develop professional hard-copy and electronic marketing/advertising materials.
  5. Apply e-Marketing techniques to create a competitive presence.
  6. Analyze the marketing strategic planning process of an organization.
  7. Evaluate the actions taken to acquire and retain customers. 

BSSAASGBT

  1. Integrate professional, ethical and legal standards into business practice.
  2. Employ the various theories of management and marketing in a business.
  3. Apply the principles of human resource management to organizations.
  4. Evaluate the actions taken to acquire and retain customers.
  5. Measure and track financial performance of an organization.
  6. Analyze and apply the strategic management process to organizations.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for all distance education type courses.

Academic Integrity

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Attendance

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Cell phone/Electronic Device

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Tuition Adjustment Policy

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