ORG439 Culture and Ethics
- ECTS Credits:
- 7.5
- Responsible department:
- School of Business and Law
- Course Leader:
- Stina Torjesen
- Lecture Semester:
- Autumn
- Teaching language:
- English.
- Duration:
- 1 term
The course is connected to the following study programs
- Master's Programme in Accounting and Auditing
- Master's Programme in Business Administration
- Master's Programme in Business Administration (5 years)
Teaching language
English.Recommended prerequisites
Bachelor level course in ethics
Course contents
The topics covered in the course include:
-
a thorough introduction to culture and cultural differences including ethnocentrism
-
key studies of culture
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three basic ethical schools of thought
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business responses to climate change and resource scarcity
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different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility: Strategic CSR (shared value), CSR as risk management and ethical CSR
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ethical issues in international business, politics and trade
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critical perspectives on CSR and company conduct, including examples of greenwashing
-
introduction to circular economy principles and practices
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course the student should be able to demonstrate:
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an understanding of what culture is and the implications of cultural differences for practical management in a multinational organization
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in-depth knowledge of ethical schools of thought and an ability to reflect on and discuss the implications of these
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ability to apply ethical reasoning in business decisions
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an awareness of the sustainability agenda facing global business, including climate change and resource scarcity, and an understanding of different ways in which companies respond
-
ability to discuss and criticise different approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) including strategic CSR
-
an understanding of what a shift to a ‘circular economy’ might entail and how this relates to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12 ‘Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns’
Examination requirements
Two short written pieces (individual) and a group presentation. Information regarding the requirements will be given in Canvas at the start of the semester.
Teaching methods
Lectures and group work. Estimated workload is about 200 hours.
Evaluation
The study programme manager, in consultation with the student representative, decides the method of evaluation and whether the courses will have a midterm- or end of term evaluation, see also the Quality System, section 4.1. Information about evaluation method for the course will be posted on Canvas.
Admission for external candidates
No
Assessment methods and criteria
5 hour written examinination with letter grades.
Reduction of Credits
This course’s contents overlap with the following courses. A reduction of credits will occur if one of these courses is taken in addition:
| Course | Reduction of Credits |
|---|---|
| ORG408 – Culture and Ethics in Multinational Organisations | 7.5 |
| IN-4500 – International Cultural Differences and Contexts | 7.5 |
| IN-4500 – International cultural differences and contexts | 7.5 |