Business Studies · 3rd Year · Sustainable Business and Ethics · 4.º Período

Business Ethics

Exploring the moral principles that guide business decisions and the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

TL;DR:Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) challenge students to think about the moral dimensions of the economy. This topic, situated in Strand 2 and Strand 3, explores how businesses should balance the pursuit of profit with their responsibilities to employees, customers, the environment, and the local community. Students examine real-world examples of ethical dilemmas, such as fair wages, honest advertising, and ethical sourcing.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand 2: Enterprise, LO 2.8
• Strand 3: Our Economy, LO 3.8

About This Topic

Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) challenge students to think about the moral dimensions of the economy. This topic, situated in Strand 2 and Strand 3, explores how businesses should balance the pursuit of profit with their responsibilities to employees, customers, the environment, and the local community. Students examine real-world examples of ethical dilemmas, such as fair wages, honest advertising, and ethical sourcing.

In the Irish context, students look at how local businesses contribute to their communities and how global brands are held accountable for their actions. This topic encourages students to become 'ethical consumers' and 'responsible entrepreneurs.' Students grasp this concept faster through structured discussion and peer explanation, as they debate the 'right' thing to do in complex business situations.

Key Questions

1. What does it mean for a business to act ethically?
2. How does CSR benefit a company's reputation?
3. What are the consequences of unethical business practices?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think that acting ethically always makes a business less profitable.

What to Teach Instead

Explain that ethical behavior can build brand loyalty and attract customers, leading to long-term success. A collaborative investigation into 'B-Corps' or successful ethical brands can provide evidence for this.

Common Misconception

There is a belief that ethics is just about following the law.

What to Teach Instead

Clarify that ethics goes beyond legal requirements; it's about doing what is right, even when the law doesn't require it. Using a 'Legal vs. Ethical' sorting activity helps students distinguish between the two concepts.

Active Learning Ideas

Mock Trial

The Unethical Brand

The class holds a mock trial for a fictional company accused of using misleading environmental claims (greenwashing). Students take on roles as prosecutors, defense lawyers, and a jury to decide if the company acted unethically.

50 min·Whole Class

Gallery Walk

CSR in Action

Groups research the CSR policies of well-known Irish companies (e.g., SuperValu's Tidy Towns or a local credit union's sponsorship). They create posters showing the positive impact these actions have on society.

35 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

The Ethical Dilemma

Give pairs a scenario: 'You find out your cheapest supplier uses child labor. Switching suppliers will double your costs and might make you go out of business. What do you do?' Pairs discuss and share their reasoning.

25 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

CSR is the idea that a business should act in a way that benefits society and the environment, rather than just focusing on making money. This can include donating to charity, reducing waste, or ensuring fair treatment of workers in the supply chain.

How can a business prove it is acting ethically?

Businesses can prove their ethics through transparent reporting, obtaining certifications like Fairtrade or B-Corp status, and undergoing independent audits of their factories and environmental impact.

What are the consequences of unethical business behavior?

Unethical behavior can lead to heavy fines, legal action, and a damaged reputation. In the age of social media, a 'boycott' can quickly lead to a significant drop in sales and a loss of investor confidence.

How can active learning help students understand business ethics?

Ethics is rarely black and white. Active learning strategies like debates and mock trials force students to engage with the 'grey areas' of business. By defending a position or judging a case, they develop the critical thinking skills needed to navigate moral dilemmas in their future careers.