Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Governance

22M1111

Master

English

5.0

only summerterm

1 semester

This module will provide a perspective on the integration of business management and ethical considerations. It will give an insight into the tension, the compatibilities and conflicts of ethical and business decisions.

Ethical theories - Introduction into ethics - Utilitarianism, Kantian ethics and virtue ethics;

Ethics in a market economy framework - Market economy and social norms - Social capital, solidarity and market economy - Limits of markets

Ethical challenges and the role of information asymmetry - Information asymmetry and ethical problems - Corporate governance code

Management approaches to address ethical challenges - Corporate Social Responsibility - limits and perspectives

Managementtools – integrity and compliance; mission statements, codes of ethics, codes of conduct, organisational changes

Ethical issues in selected business disciplines (human resource management, logistics, marketing, finance etc).

Ethical issues in international business and alternative ways to address this issue

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

• Written examination or
• Portfolio exam or
• Portfolio exam

PFP-1: The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of a one-hour written examination (K1) and a written paper (HA). The K1 is weighted by 40 points and the HA is weighted by 60 points.

PFP-2: The portfolio exam covers 100 points and consists of a one-hour written examination (K1) and a presentation with written report (R). The K1 is weighted by 40 point and the R is weighted by 60 points.

Written examination: in accordance with the valid study regulations.

Written paper of the portfolio exam: approx. 8 pages

Report of the portfolio exam: presentation of approx. 20 minutes with written report of approx. 3-5 pages

The requirements are specified in the respective lectures.

This is an advanced course and requires a sound understanding of the basic issues in business and economics. Students need to have completed a bachelor degree in either business or economics.

Students have a sound understanding of key ethical theories. Students understand the ethical dimension of incentive structures within a market economy and the limits of such. Students learn about the new development with respect to CSR, ESG and sustainabilitiy. Students get to know the ethical dilemmas in major disciplines. Students understand the potential and limits of alternative approaches towards corporate governance.

Students are able to go beyond the standard statements in media and public discussions and reflect on the challenges, opportunities and limitations in business practice.

They are able to apply tools and concepts to real cases and find solutions.

Students understand the logic of major theoretical contributions.

Students are able to describe the real ethical problems in the business world.

Students can apply advanced theories and tools and propose solutions for real business problems.

Students are able to understand the interaction of personal responsbility, responsibility at the meso-level (like firms) and the responsibility at the system-level.

Students are able to apply the theoretical concepts to real world cases. They recognize the limits of the theoretical tools and instruments and are able to see the potential of strategies to generate solutions.

Students are able to identify the major open questions with respect to business ethics, corporate governance and sustainability. They are able to identify research questions which could be the basis for further research.

Students learn to argue their case, to enter into discourses on ethical issues. Students learn to reflect the dynamics of communication on ethical matters.

Students need to learn, reflect and accept the ambiguity of ethical issues. Students need to reflect on the multidimensional nature of ethical conflicts. Students should be enabled to develop their own ethical position.

When ethical issues are discussed at the system level (market economy), a sound understanding of economics and the workings of mechanisms in a market economy are required. Ethical issues are discussed at the business level, such as ethics and marketing, ethics and employment, ethics and accounting, ethics and finance. The module is therefore useful as well to deepen the understanding of the challenges in various management disciplines. The CSR-debate and Corporate Governance part has a strong impact on the discussion of strategic matters.

• International Business and Management, M.A. (01.09.2024)

• Mayer, Peter

• Mayer, Peter