Active learning ideas
Business Ethics and Social Responsibility challenges students to look beyond the bottom line and consider the impact of business on society and the environment. This topic covers Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ethical decision-making, and the importance of environmental sustainability. In an era of climate change and heightened social awareness, this is one of the most contemporary and relevant parts of the syllabus.
Activity 01
A hypothetical company is 'sued' for claiming their product is eco-friendly when it isn't. Students act as lawyers, judges, and company executives to argue whether the company's marketing was unethical or just 'clever'.
What constitutes ethical behavior in business?
Activity 02
Groups choose a major Irish company (e.g., Musgrave or ESB) and audit their CSR report. They must find evidence of how the company supports the community, the environment, and its employees, then present a 'grade' for their efforts.
How does a strong CSR policy benefit a company?
Activity 03
Students are given a scenario where they must choose between a cheaper, unethical supplier and a more expensive, ethical one. They must justify their choice to a partner, considering both short-term profit and long-term reputation.
What are the environmental responsibilities of modern enterprises?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Being ethical always makes a business less profitable.
While there may be short-term costs, ethical businesses often enjoy higher customer loyalty and easier recruitment. A 'Think-Pair-Share' on the long-term benefits of a good reputation helps students see the 'business case' for ethics.
CSR is just a marketing gimmick.
While 'greenwashing' exists, genuine CSR involves deep changes to business operations. Analyzing the difference between a one-off charity donation and a sustainable supply chain helps students distinguish between the two.
Methods used in this brief
The Domestic Economy and Government Policy
Students analyze the role of the Irish government in regulating and supporting business. They explore how fiscal and monetary policies influence the domestic economic climate.
8 methodologies
International Trade and the Global Economy
This topic explores the significance of international trade for an open economy like Ireland. Students assess the impact of exchange rates, tariffs, and global competition on Irish exporters.
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The European Union and Irish Business
Students evaluate the impact of European Union membership on Irish businesses, focusing on the Single Market and EU policies. They analyze the opportunities and challenges presented by EU integration.
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