Global Impact: Business Ethics from Coursera

Global business ethics is the study and analysis of how ethics and global business are connected. Because commerce is about markets, and markets entail exchanges between people and groups of people, commerce is about human relationships..

One of the important challenges in global business is working out the extent of these obligations in the interrelationships between businesses and the particular local cultures in which that business operates. The ethical issues arising from these engagements, the kinds of values-based considerations out of which an organization negotiates with local concerns, and how an organization can be both an enabler of economic value while respecting cultural differences are important topics of this course.

You will be able to:

• Become morally sensitive to ethical dilemmas in global commerce

• Identify ethical issues in global business

• Master stakeholder analysis

• Use a well-reasoned process by which to arrive at ethically defensible decisions

• Differentiate between good and weak ethical arguments and defend conclusions

This course is part of Gies College of Business’ suite of online programs, including the iMBA and iMSM. Learn more about admission into these programs and explore how your Coursera work can be leveraged if accepted into a degree program at https://degrees.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/idegrees/.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation & Module 1 Is Ethics Part of Business?

You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course. Identify what we mean by ethics and moral reasoning. Learn about the “do the right thing” approach, utilitarianism, and theories of justice. Understand why these theories are important for moral reasoning and for commerce. Be familiar with the framework for moral reasoning. Apply this framework in a case analysis.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Is designed for individuals with backgrounds in business and business ethics

Examines the challenges of globalization in emerging markets

Taught by Patricia Werhane, a renowned expert in business ethics

Develops skills in stakeholder analysis and ethical decision-making

Emphasizes the importance of respecting cultural differences in global business

Requires extensive background knowledge in business ethics

Reviews summary

Business ethics for global challenges

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in business ethics with a focus on global challenges. Students particularly appreciate the use of practical case studies, such as the Bayer CropScience example, which help illustrate the application of ethical theories in real-world business contexts. The course introduces useful frameworks like stakeholder analysis and a structured framework for moral reasoning, which many find directly applicable to their professional lives. While some reviewers note the content is ideal for those new to the subject and might be less challenging for those with prior ethics backgrounds, the overall feedback highlights its relevance and clear structure. Learners feel better equipped to identify ethical dilemmas and make ethically defensible decisions after completing the course.

Accessible introduction for newcomers.

"This course is excellent if you are new to the field of business ethics."

"It provides a great starting point and foundational knowledge."

"Might be too basic if you already have significant academic background in ethics."

Course structure facilitates learning.

"The modules are well-structured and the course progresses logically."

"Content is presented clearly and easy to follow."

"I appreciated the clear layout and organization of the material."

Provides a good intro to core ethical concepts.

"This course provides a solid introduction to core ethical frameworks and moral reasoning."

"I learned about concepts like utilitarianism and different forms of relativism in a very clear way."

"Good overview of the foundational ethical theories relevant to business."

Useful tool for ethical decision making.

"The moral reasoning framework taught is a key takeaway and a practical tool I can use."

"I feel much better equipped to analyze ethical arguments and make reasoned decisions."

"The step-by-step framework from Module 1 is incredibly useful for approaching dilemmas."

Real-world cases aid understanding & application.

"Using the Bayer case really helped me understand stakeholder theory in practice, it wasn't just abstract theory."

"The cases presented in the modules are the most useful part of the course, showing how the theoretical concepts actually apply."

"I found the case studies provided excellent practical examples of the ethical dilemmas discussed."

"Applying the framework to specific company situations made the concepts much more tangible."

Content applicable to international work.

"The course content is directly relevant to challenges faced in global commerce today."

"It helped me identify and think through ethical issues I encounter in my international business dealings."

"Very valuable course for anyone working in or interested in international business environments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Global Impact: Business Ethics with these activities:

Review stakeholder analysis concepts

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Helps refresh your knowledge of stakeholder analysis, which is a key concept in global business ethics.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Analysis

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Review your notes or textbook chapters on stakeholder analysis.
Complete practice questions or exercises on stakeholder analysis.

Participate in peer discussion groups

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Allows you to engage with peers, share perspectives, and deepen your understanding of course concepts.

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Join or form a peer discussion group.
Prepare by reading course materials and reflecting on discussion questions.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and asking questions.

Connect with professionals in global business ethics

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Provides you with guidance and insights from experienced professionals in the field.

Browse courses on Mentorship

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Identify professionals in global business ethics who align with your interests.
Reach out and introduce yourself, expressing your interest in mentorship.
Follow up and schedule a meeting or call to discuss your interests and goals.

Five other activities

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Read 'Business Ethics: A Stakeholder Approach' by Freeman

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Provides a comprehensive overview of stakeholder theory, which is essential for understanding global business ethics.

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts.
Summarize the main arguments and theories presented in the book.
Identify and analyze ethical dilemmas related to stakeholder theory.

Attend a workshop on global business ethics

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Provides an opportunity to learn from experts and engage with practitioners in the field.

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Research and identify workshops on global business ethics.
Register and attend the workshop.
Actively participate in the workshop, taking notes and asking questions.

Complete ethical reasoning exercises

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Provides practice in applying ethical reasoning to global business scenarios.

Browse courses on Business Ethics

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Identify different ethical perspectives and theories.
Analyze case studies and apply ethical reasoning frameworks.
Develop and defend ethical arguments based on evidence and analysis.

Write a blog post or article on a global business ethics topic

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Helps you synthesize your understanding of global business ethics and share your insights with others.

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Choose a specific topic related to global business ethics.
Research and gather information on the topic.
Develop a clear and concise thesis statement.
Write the blog post or article, supporting your arguments with evidence and examples.
Share your blog post or article with others and invite feedback.

Contribute to open-source projects related to global business ethics

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Provides practical experience in applying global business ethics principles and collaborating with others.

Browse courses on Open Source

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Identify open-source projects related to global business ethics.
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit code changes or documentation improvements to the project.
Engage with the project community and provide support to other contributors.

Career center

Learners who complete Global Impact: Business Ethics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ethics Officer

Ethics Officers are responsible for developing and implementing ethics programs within a company. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Ethics Officers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethics Officer

Business Ethics Analyst

Business Ethics Analysts research and analyze ethical issues in business. This course may be useful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Business Ethics Analysts who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Ethics Analyst

Chief Sustainability Officer

Chief Sustainability Officers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate sustainability strategies. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Chief Sustainability Officers who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote sustainable practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Sustainability Officer

Global Business Manager

Global Business Managers oversee the operations of a company's international operations. This course may be helpful because it helps students understand the ethical issues that arise in global business. These skills can be valuable for Global Business Managers who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote ethical behavior in a global context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Business Manager

International Development Officer

International Development Officers work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. This course may be helpful because it helps students understand the ethical issues that arise in global business. These skills can be valuable for International Development Officers who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote ethical behavior in a global context.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Officer

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. This course may be helpful because it helps students understand the ethical issues that arise in global business. These skills can be valuable for Nonprofit Managers who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote ethical behavior in a global context.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a company. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Operations Managers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources operations of a company. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Human Resources Managers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing strategies that promote ethical behavior and social responsibility within a company. This course may be useful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote ethical behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts research and analyze financial data. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Financial Analysts who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations improve their environmental and social performance. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Sustainability Consultants who need to make decisions about how to balance the interests of stakeholders and promote sustainable practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that a company complies with relevant laws and regulations. This course may be useful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Compliance Officers who need to make decisions about how to comply with regulations and promote ethical behavior.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers are responsible for managing the public image of a company or organization. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Public Relations Managers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Marketing Managers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee the sales operations of a company. This course may be helpful because it provides a framework for moral reasoning and helps students identify ethical issues in global business. These skills can be valuable for Sales Managers who need to make decisions about how to promote ethical behavior and resolve ethical dilemmas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager