Describe how ethical decision making affects international business operations and the environment.

Subject Description

Every day of our personal and business lives we are confronted with numerous choices about what is right and what is wrong and, therefore, how to conduct ourselves. This subject introduces the student to the basic principles of decision making, with a focus on ethical considerations. While one focus of the course is business decisions, an examination of personal values and ethics form the foundation of the course. The course contains theories and concepts, however the student will concentrate on applying ethical concepts and principles to everyday, real-life issues and problems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Discuss common terminology related to the study of ethics and to understand that exercising ethics is a skill on which they can improve and to apply such skill to their everyday life decisions.
2. Discuss ethical issues faced by an individual and an organization, including corporate social responsibilities, and selected recent major corporate cases involving ethical actions.
3. Distinguish between values and principles and give examples; to discuss whether values ever change, to describe how even the Golden Rule can lead to conflicts in its applications, and to discuss reasons for and give examples of the need to rank values.
4. Give examples of how cultures and sub-cultures influence standards and values and discuss whether law determines what is morally right or morally wrong, and discuss the relationship of law and morality.
5. Discuss the different approaches, such as the 3-Question approach, the 5-Question approach, and the Moral Standards approach, that can be used for the ethical evaluation of an action.
6. Discuss the concept and the relationship of justification, rationalization and excuse and give examples.
7. Discuss and list a set of all-purpose procedures, including the "Gut Test", for the decision making process and to define alternatives.
8. Discuss how our training and habits influence our responses to situations.
9. Define character, virtues, integrity and honour, and give examples and describe character development and how it can be enhanced.
10. Describe the various leadership roles and the role of leadership in supporting development of good character and the tasks of leadership with regard to an organization`s values.
11. Describe how ethical decision making affects international business operations and the environment.

Sample Answer

Corporate Social Responsibility and the Ethics of Environmental Sustainability

Introduction

Ethics is about deciding what is right and wrong and acting accordingly. In both personal and business life, these decisions affect people, communities, and the planet. One of the most pressing ethical issues today is how organisations respond to environmental challenges. Climate change, pollution, and the overuse of resources have made sustainability a moral obligation rather than just a legal or economic consideration. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the way businesses take responsibility for their impact on society and the environment. This essay explores the ethical importance of CSR in promoting environmental sustainability, the reasons it matters, and the challenges companies face.

Understanding CSR and Environmental Ethics

Corporate Social Responsibility means that a business goes beyond making profits and considers the well-being of all stakeholders, including employees, customers, communities, and the environment. Environmental ethics focuses on the moral relationship between humans and the natural world, asking questions such as: “Do we have a duty to protect the environment?” and “How should we balance economic growth with environmental health?”

From an ethical point of view, environmental protection is linked to fairness and responsibility. Future generations have a right to inherit a planet that can sustain life. This idea connects with the principle of the Golden Rule, treat others as you would want to be treated. If we would not want to live in a polluted world, it is wrong to create one for others.

The Moral Case for Environmental Sustainability

Businesses have significant power over resource use, energy consumption, and waste production. Ethical reasoning suggests that with great power comes great responsibility. The utilitarian approach, seeking the greatest good for the greatest number, supports sustainability because protecting the environment benefits everyone in the long term.

For example, renewable energy projects reduce carbon emissions, help slow climate change, and provide cleaner air and water for communities. Similarly, reducing plastic use protects wildlife and prevents harmful chemicals from entering food chains.

CSR in Practice: Examples and Challenges

Some companies have made environmental sustainability a core part of their CSR strategy. For instance, Unilever has committed to reducing its plastic packaging and cutting its greenhouse gas emissions. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing brand, promotes recycling, repairs products to extend their life, and donates to environmental causes. These actions go beyond legal requirements, showing a commitment to moral responsibility.

However, there are challenges. Some businesses engage in greenwashing, pretending to be environmentally responsible for marketing purposes while making little real change. Others face the ethical dilemma of balancing short-term profits with long-term sustainability. For example, shifting to eco-friendly production may require large investments that can reduce profits in the short term.

Continued...