08 January Course Introduction Syllabus Overview
10 January Opening Case
Danger on the Highway: Bridgestone/Firestone's Tire Recall
Ford agrees to four-state settlement in rollover case
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Was Ford to Blame in the Pinto Case?YES: Mark Dowie, from "Pinto Madness," Mother Jones (September/October 1977)
NO: Ford Motor Company, from Closing Argument by Mr. James Neal, Brief for the Defense, State of Indiana v. Ford Motor Company, U.S. District Court, South Bend, Indiana (January 15, 1980)Investigative journalist Mark Dowie alleges that Ford Motor Company deliberately put an unsafe carthe Pintoon the road, causing hundreds of people to suffer burn deaths and horrible disfigurement. James Neal, chief attorney for Ford Motor Company during the Pinto litigation, argues that there is no proof of criminal intent or negligence on the part of Ford.'
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Outline the deontological duties you have to both your fellow group members as well as to your beneficiary organization. Additionally, comment on the way(s) in which your group project is connected to utilitarian ideals.
15 January The Corporation as Moral Institution
Students enrolled in MGT 482 may access a VIDEO STREAMING LECTURE for this class session by logging into Blackboard and clicking on the 'Video Streaming' menu bar, then on 'Deontology/Utilitarianism'
Brady's Survey of Ethical Theoretic Aptitudes
- Kelman, Steven. `Cost-Benefit Analysis: An Ethical Critique'
Overview of Ethical Frameworks
Diamond, Jarod. 'Easter's End.' Discover, August 1995.
17 January The Corporation as Economic Institution
Students may access a PowerPoint handout for this and the following two class sessions by clicking here
'The Tragedy of the Commons' (Hardin)
Social Contract Theory
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Should Corporations Adopt Policies of Corporate Social Responsibility?'
YES: Robert D. Hay and Edmund R. Gray, from "Introduction to Social Responsibility," in David Keller, man. ed., Ethics and Values (Pearson Custom Publishing, 2002)
NO: Milton Friedman, from "The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits," in Thomas Donaldson and Patricia H. Werhane, eds., Ethical Issues in Business, 4th ed. (Prentice Hall, 1993)Business leaders now recognize, Hay and Gray argue, that in the long run, business will only be successful if it is directed to the needs of the societyand if it chooses to ignore that advice, government regulation is likely to fill the gap between business operations and the welfare of the people the government is sworn to protect. Friedman argues that businesses have neither the right nor the ability to fool around with “social responsibility;” they serve employees and customers best when they do their work with maximum efficiency.
'The Social Responsibility of Business... ' (Friedman)
22 January The Corporation as Social Institution
Steinbeck on Corporate Social Responsibility
For the text of Chapter 5 of Grapes of Wrath, click here
'Are Corporations Inherently Wicked?' (Dunn)
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Classic Dialogue: Can Capitalism Lead to Human Happiness?'YES: Adam Smith, from An Inquiry Into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1869)
NO: Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, from The Communist Manifesto (1848)If we will but leave self-interested people to seek their own advantage, Smith argues, the result, unintended by any one of them, will be the greater advantage of all. No government interference is necessary to protect the general welfare. Marx disagrees; leave people to their own self-interested devices, he replies, and those who by luck and inheritance own the means of production will rapidly reduce everyone else tovirtual slavery. The few may be fabulously happy, but all others will live in misery.
CONTRACTS DUE
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Describe the way(s) in which the concept of social contract theory relates to either your interactions within your group or the organization(s) affiliated with your social change project or case analysis.
24 January The Corporation as Legal Institution
Anatomy of a Hostile Takeover (The Annenberg/CPB Project Ethics in America Series)
Information on key players in the video:T. Boone Pickens
Sir James Goldsmith
Warren Buffet
Timothy E. Wirth
Frederick H. Joseph
Harrison J. Goldin
Arthur Liman
Lewis Kaden
Joseph H. Flom
Lester Thurow
James Bere (Borg Warner)
Robert E. Mercer (Goodyear Tire)29 January EXAMINATION #1
Weiss Chapter 3.1-3.11; 4.1-4.5; 5.5; 6.1-6.6 plus all web schedule readings (see above) and lectures
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Outline the 'deliverables' you will be including within the 'scope of service' contract due next week. If taking the case option, describe the 'moral dilemma' which will be the springboard for your case analysis, and relate this 'moral dilemma' to at least two of the ethical frameworks covered in this course.
31 January EXAM #1 DEBRIEFING
EACH GROUP IS TO PROVIDE A FIVE TO TEN MINUTE UPDATE OF THEIR SOCIAL CHANGE PROJECT.
Refer to discussion questions below for areas to be addressed.05 February The Corporation as Moral Institution
Students enrolled in MGT 482 may access a VIDEO STREAMING LECTURE for this class session by logging into Blackboard and clicking on the 'Video Streaming' menu bar, then on 'Justice/Caring/Libertarianism/Virtue/Land Ethic'
Overview of Ethical Frameworks
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Is Wal-Mart a Good Example for Retail Sales?'YES: Sam Walton with John Huey, from Made in America (Doubleday, 1992)
NO: George Miller, from "Everyday Low Wages," http://edworkforce.house.gov (February 16, 2004)Wal-Mart has become a focus of controversy, but Sam Walton was absolutely convinced that he and his associates had set up a model company, totally dedicated to giving consumers what they want, which is what retail sales are all about, while treating their employees with the utmost respect. George Miller, congressman from California, is on the House Education and Workforce Committee, from the records of which this piece is taken. In his view, Wal-Mart abuses workers, impoverishes the American business scene, and ultimately places the burden of its low wages and benefits on the taxpayers.
- Le Guin, Ursula. `The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas'
- Dunn, Craig P. `The Normative Defense for Affirmative Action'REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Describe how at least one of the ethical frameworks covered in the video streaming lecture for this week relates to your social change project or case analysis.
07 February DEADLY DECEPTION (INFACT video)
The full text of DEADLY DECEPTION can be found by clicking here.
For current news regarding the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, visit the Hanford Watch website.
To better understand the concept of advocacy video, see the work of the Benton Foundation.REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Provide a brief overview of the dilemma your group addressed as part of your discussion of Deadly Deception. What recommendation did your group develop to resolve this dilemma, and how does this recommendation conform with the model of ethical decision-making?
08 February 3:00-4:00 pm
Fraser 4
Executive in Residence Business Ethics Lecture
Phil HummelONE PAPER 'BYE' FOR ATTENDANCE
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL (only for those attending): What was the best ethics insight you gained from the session you attended today?
12 February International Dimensions of Business Ethics
Can one kid change the world?
The GAP falls into child labor controversy
A message to our customersWastler: Chiquita's Raw Deal
Chiquita Admits to Paying Columbian Terrorists
Chiquita to Plead Guilty to Ties with Terrorists
An Excrutiating Dilemma Between Life and Law
Social Accountability 8000 (click on the 'PDF' link)
Amnesty International's Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Want to know where and under what conditions your clothes are made? MADE-BY
Your wallet is a mouth. When you spend money, you tell the world how you want it to be. Wallet Mouth
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Are Multinational Corporations Free from Moral Obligations?'YES: Manuel Velasquez, from "International Business, Morality and the Common Good," Business Ethics Quarterly (January 1992)
NO: John E. Fleming, from "Alternative Approaches and Assumptions: Comments on Manuel Velasquez," Business Ethics Quarterly (January 1992)Ethicist Manuel Velasquez argues that since any business that tried to conform to moral rules in the absence of enforcement would cease to be competitive, moral strictures cannot be binding on such companies. John E. Fleming asserts that multinational corporations tend to deal with long-term customers and suppliers in the goldfish bowl of international media and must therefore adhere to moral standards or lose business.
CASE: Investigators Raid Samsung Headquarters (Anderson, N., Montgomery)
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Describe how the emergence of a 'global economy' impacts the ethical considerations within your social change project or case analysis.
14 February Sustainable Business Practices
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Do Environmental Restrictions Violate Basic Economic Freedoms?'Zuckerman's Dilemma: A Plea for Environmental Ethics.YES: John Shanahan, from "Environment," in Stuart M. Butler and Kim R. Holmes, eds., Issues ‘96’: The Candidate’s Briefing Book (Heritage Foundation, 1996)
NO: Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich, from "Brownlash: The New Environmental Anti-Science," The Humanist (November/December 1996)John Shanahan, vice president of the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution in Arlington, Virginia, argues that many government environmental policies are unreasonable and infringe on basic economic freedoms. Environmental scientists Paul R. Ehrlich and Anne H. Ehrlich argue that many objections to environmental protections are self-serving and based in bad or misused science.
Ethics and the Economics Ecology Dilemma: Toward a Just, Sustainable, and Frugal Future
Natural Capitalism
Environmental Management Issues in Corporate Strategy19 February Ensuring Ethical Behavior
Students may access a PowerPoint handout for this class session by clicking here
'The Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility' (Carroll, Archie B.)
Josephson Institute on Ethical Decision-Making
Johnson & Johnson Credo
VERIZON Code of Business Conduct: Connecting Through Integrity
How Companies Can Avoid Federal Prosecution
Newton & Ford's Taking Sides
'Can Restructuring a Corporation's Rules Make a Moral Difference?'YES: Josef Wieland, from "The Ethics of Governance," Business Ethics Quarterly (January 2001)
NO: Ian Maitland, from "Distributive Justice in Firms: Do the Rules of Corporate Governance Matter?" Business Ethics Quarterly (January 2001)Josef Wieland, director of the German Business Ethics Network’s Centre for Business Ethics, argues that the performative nature of communications like Codes of Ethics in a corporation gives moral impetus to the corporation that issues such a code. It announces its willingness to be held accountable to the code as to a promise. Ian Maitland, Professor of Business, Government and Society at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, thinks that such moral structuring has no effect at all on the corporation’s moral performance (for instance, in distributive justice), but if taken too seriously, might impair the efficiency of the corporation and therefore its ability to create wealth for all its stakeholders.
CASE: The Issue: Using Sick Time for Interviews (Vinoya/Nakata/Kim)
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Offer one recommendation specifically related to ensuring ethical behavior within your social change project client or donor organization, or the organization under review within your case analysis.
21 February EXAMINATION #2
Weiss Chapter 5.1-5.4; 7.1-7.5 plus all web schedule readings (see above)
26 February EXAM #2 DEBRIEFING
CASE: BofA's Awesome Countrywide Tax Break Price/Grayston
CASE: Marketing to Children: Junking Bad Advertising (Rodygina/Visser)
28 February The Hungry Spirit: Beyond Capitalism..., Chapter 8
Terkel, Studs. 'Working'. (Chapter titles: Donna Murray)
Students enrolled in MGT 482 may access a VIDEO STREAMING LECTURE for this class session by logging into Blackboard and clicking on the 'Video Streaming' menu bar, then on 'Meaning of Work: Part 1'
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: No entry due this week
04 March The Hungry Spirit: Beyond Capitalism..., Chapter 9
Terkel, Studs. 'Working'. (Chapter titles: Carl Murray Bates, Walter Lundquist, Nora Watson)
Collins, Jim. What Comes Next?
Students enrolled in MGT 482 may access a VIDEO STREAMING LECTURE for this class session by logging into Blackboard and clicking on the 'Video Streaming' menu bar, then on 'Meaning of Work: Part 2'
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Draft a statement of personal purpose consistent with the parameters outlined in the article 'What Comes Next.'
06 March Terkel, Studs. 'Working'. (Chapter title: Roberta Victor)
Taylor, Frederick. `The Principles of Scientific Management'
The World According to Me
Students enrolled in MGT 482 may access a VIDEO STREAMING LECTURE for this class session by logging into Blackboard and clicking on the 'Video Streaming' menu bar, then on 'Meaning of Work: Part 3'
11 March Social Change Project Presentations
TEAM EVALUATION FORM for following groups DUE TODAY
*3-on-3 Basketball Tourney for BGCA*
Snee/Bickler/Chylinski/Halstead
*Concert for Junior Achievement*
Watts/Eckman/Waldman/Zanck/Mittelstaedt/Olin
*Western Students Helpoing Children Through OIC*
Joseph/Goodman/Reichert/Rogge
CASE: Board Requires Pharmacies to Fill All Orders (Kahnamouie/Dales)13 March Social Change Project Presentations
TEAM EVALUATION FORM for following groups DUE TODAY
*J. A. Awareness Project*
Cesar/Lloyd/Petersen
*Call for Help*
Bruns/Ellis/Dillon/Stein
*Gettin' Creative*
Doolittle/Livingood/Johnson/Nguyen
*A New Image for ReUse Works*
Haas/Schroeder
REFLECTIVE JOURNAL: Provide your final reflections regarding the 'link' between your social change project or case analysis and the content of this course.
17 March 8:00 am
FINAL EXAMINATION