Business Studies · Grade 10

Active learning ideas

Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

Business ethics and social responsibility (CSR) are no longer optional in the Canadian business landscape. This topic challenges students to look beyond the bottom line and consider how companies impact the environment, human rights, and the communities where they operate. We examine the importance of ethical decision-making and the role of a corporate code of ethics in guiding professional behavior.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• BBI2O - Business Fundamentals: Describe the impact of business on the community.
• BBI2O - Business Fundamentals: Explain the concepts of ethics and social responsibility in business.

• 20–35 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Collaborative Problem-Solving
• 35 min · Small Groups

Collaborative Problem-Solving: Ethical Dilemma Bricks

Groups are given a 'dilemma card' (e.g., discovering a supplier uses child labour). They must use a decision-making model to propose a solution that balances profit, reputation, and ethics, then present their choice to the class.

What does it mean for a business to be socially responsible?

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Decision-Making
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Gallery Walk
• 30 min · Whole Class

Gallery Walk: CSR in Action

Students research the CSR reports of various Canadian companies and create a one-page visual summary. These are posted around the room, and students use sticky notes to comment on whether the initiatives seem genuine or like 'greenwashing.'

How do unethical decisions impact a company's reputation?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Create
• Relationship Skills
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Think-Pair-Share
• 20 min · Pairs

Think-Pair-Share: The Code of Ethics

Students read a real code of ethics from a major Canadian retailer. They identify the three most important rules and discuss with a partner how those rules might be difficult to follow during a financial crisis.

What is the role of a corporate code of ethics?

• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Awareness
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• If it's legal, it's ethical.

  Students often confuse law with ethics. Using a 'grey area' simulation where an action is legal but harmful to a community helps students distinguish between the two and understand the higher standard of ethical conduct.

• Social responsibility is just a marketing ploy.

  While 'greenwashing' exists, many businesses integrate CSR into their core operations. Comparing a purely promotional campaign with a structural change (like a fair-trade supply chain) helps students see the difference.

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Methods used in this brief

• Collaborative Problem-Solving
• Gallery Walk
• Think-Pair-Share