We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives

Gies College of Business, University of Illinois

In this course, you will acquire a deep understanding of the importance and role of ethics within and beyond the organization as well as realize the benefits and challenges of a diverse culture and various – and changing – global perspectives. The professional business skills related to ethics, culture, and global perspectives gained through this course will help you to succeed working in any organization.

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Two deals to help you save

Save money when you learn. Here are two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until July 14

Coursera Plus Annual

Work toward what's next for your career with access to 10,000+ programs. Discover emerging skills and save.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction & Module 1 - Is Ethics Part of Business?

This module starts with a course introduction, then you will learn to 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

Explores the importance and role of ethics in business and organizations

Examines the benefits and challenges of diverse cultures and varying global perspectives

Taught by instructors from the renowned Gies College of Business, University of Illinois

Provides professional business skills related to ethics, culture, and global perspectives

Requires learners to apply ethical frameworks to real-world business scenarios

Suitable for learners interested in advancing their understanding of business ethics, diversity, and globalization

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Practical ethics for global professionals

According to students, this course offers a highly practical and insightful understanding of ethics and culture in a global context. Learners particularly praise its clear and well-structured lectures and the direct applicability of its frameworks, such as moral reasoning, to real-world business scenarios. The modules on globalization, cultural mindsets, and culture mixing are frequently highlighted as being especially enlightening. While many find the course ideal for professionals seeking a solid overview, some with prior deep academic backgrounds note that initial ethical theory sections can feel somewhat superficial. A few also expressed a desire for more interactive elements beyond quizzes. Overall, it's considered a valuable investment for navigating diverse global environments.

Provides valuable understanding of global cultural nuances.

"I found the modules on cultural mindsets and culture mixing particularly interesting."

"The insights on cultural variations and their impact on business were eye-opening."

"I particularly liked the module on Globalization, Culture & Brands, which provided a fresh perspective."

"The discussions around diverse cultures and global perspectives were enriching."

Material is well-organized and easy to follow, enhancing learning.

"The lectures were clear and the case studies really brought the concepts to life."

"The material was well-structured, easy to follow, and the examples were highly relevant."

"The structure is logical, moving from theory to application."

"The instructors were knowledgeable and presented the material clearly."

Offers frameworks directly applicable to global business challenges.

"The content on stakeholder theory and globalization was incredibly insightful and directly applicable to my role in international business."

"The practical framework for ethical decision-making is something I can immediately apply."

"I feel much more prepared to handle ethical dilemmas in a multinational context."

"I learned how to use practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Could benefit from more interactive elements and discussions.

"I wish there were more opportunities for deeper discussion or peer feedback."

"I would have liked more interactive elements beyond just quizzes, perhaps some peer review of assignments."

"The delivery was uninspiring, lacking dynamic engagement."

Good for a general overview, but can feel basic for experts.

"Some parts felt a bit superficial, especially the initial modules on core ethical theories."

"I felt the course was too basic for someone with a background in philosophy or business ethics."

"Good for a general overview, but not for in-depth academic study."

"It's a decent overview, but not as deep as I expected from a university course."

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 Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives with these activities:

Read 'Business Ethics: A Stakeholder Perspective'',

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of stakeholder theory and its relevance to ethical decision-making in business.

View Stakeholder Theory: The State of the Art on Amazon

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting key concepts.
Reflect on the ethical implications of stakeholder management strategies.

Identify a mentor with experience in business ethics

Show steps

Gain valuable insights and practical advice from a professional in the field.

Browse courses on Business Ethics

Show steps

Attend industry events or reach out to your network for potential mentors.
Research and identify individuals with expertise in business ethics.
Request a meeting or connect with mentors through LinkedIn or email.
Discuss your career goals and seek guidance on ethical decision-making.

Participate in online tutorials and videos

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of core concepts such as stakeholder theory and the importance of ethics in business.

Browse courses on Stakeholder Theory

Show steps

Explore online platforms such as Coursera, edX, and YouTube for relevant tutorials.
Select tutorials that align with the course syllabus and learning objectives.
Follow along with the tutorials, taking notes and asking questions.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Volunteer as a mentor for students in the same course

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding of the course material by mentoring others and assisting with their learning.

Show steps

Contact the instructor or a teaching assistant to express interest in mentoring.
Provide guidance and support to mentees on course topics and assignments.
Offer feedback and encouragement to enhance their learning experience.

Engage in peer discussion forums

Show steps

Connect with fellow students to share insights, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of the course material.

Show steps

Identify relevant online forums or discussion boards.
Participate in discussions, posing thoughtful questions and responding to others.
Read and consider the perspectives of peers and instructors.
Summarize and reflect on the key points discussed.

Develop a case study analysis on ethical decision-making

Show steps

Apply the concepts learned in the course to a real-world ethical dilemma.

Show steps

Identify a business case study involving an ethical dilemma.
Analyze the case using the ethical frameworks and stakeholder theory.
Formulate recommendations and discuss the ethical implications.
Submit the case study analysis as a report or presentation.

Design a cultural sensitivity training program

Show steps

Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of cultural sensitivity in global business settings.

Browse courses on Cultural Diversity

Show steps

Research and identify the key components of cultural sensitivity training.
Design the training modules, including activities and case studies.
Develop a plan for implementing and evaluating the training program.
Present your training program to the class or a relevant audience.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Ethics Officer

As an Ethics Officer, you will be responsible for developing and implementing an ethics program for an organization. You will need to have a deep understanding of ethics, compliance, and risk management. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong foundation in ethics and provide you with the tools you need to create and implement an effective ethics program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Ethics Officer

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

As a Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a corporate social responsibility program for an organization. You will need to have a deep understanding of corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong foundation in corporate social responsibility and provide you with the tools you need to create and implement an effective corporate social responsibility program.

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

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you will be responsible for creating and implementing a diversity and inclusion program for an organization. You will need to have a deep understanding of diversity, inclusion, and equity. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong foundation in diversity and inclusion and provide you with the tools you need to create and implement an effective diversity and inclusion program.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

International Business Manager

As an International Business Manager, you will be responsible for managing the operations of a business in a foreign country. You will need to have a deep understanding of international business law, cross-cultural communication, and global supply chains. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of international business decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in international business negotiations, and the challenges and opportunities of global business.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Business Manager

Consultant

As a Consultant, your job is to provide advisory services to businesses and organizations. You will work closely with clients to understand their needs, assess their current situation, and develop and implement plans to help them achieve their goals. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be highly valuable to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of business decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity, and the challenges and opportunities of globalization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns to promote products or services. You will need to have a deep understanding of consumer behavior, market research, and marketing strategy. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of marketing decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in marketing campaigns, and the challenges and opportunities of global marketing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Nonprofit Manager

As a Nonprofit Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the operations of a nonprofit organization. You will need to have a deep understanding of nonprofit law, fundraising, and program management. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of nonprofit decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in nonprofit programs, and the challenges and opportunities of global nonprofit work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Anthropologist

As an Anthropologist, you will be responsible for studying human societies and cultures. You will need to have a deep understanding of anthropology, cultural theory, and research methods. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong foundation in anthropology and provide you with the tools you need to conduct effective research on human societies and cultures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Sociologist

As a Sociologist, you will be responsible for studying human social behavior and society. You will need to have a deep understanding of sociology, social theory, and research methods. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong foundation in sociology and provide you with the tools you need to conduct effective research on human social behavior and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Global Affairs Analyst

As a Global Affairs Analyst, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing global affairs and making recommendations to policymakers. You will need to have a deep understanding of global affairs, international relations, and political science. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of global affairs and provide you with the tools you need to conduct effective research and analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Affairs Analyst

Policy Analyst

As a Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for researching and analyzing public policy issues and making recommendations to policymakers. You will need to have a deep understanding of public policy, research methods, and data analysis. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of policy decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in policy analysis, and the challenges and opportunities of global policymaking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of human resources for an organization, including recruitment, hiring, training, and employee relations. You will need to have a deep understanding of labor laws, employee benefits, and performance management. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of HR decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in HR practices, and the challenges and opportunities of global HR management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Journalist

As a Journalist, you will be responsible for gathering, writing, and reporting news stories. You will need to have a deep understanding of journalism ethics, news writing, and media law. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of journalistic decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in news reporting, and the challenges and opportunities of global journalism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Teacher

As a Teacher, you will be responsible for educating and inspiring students in a classroom setting. You will need to have a deep understanding of teaching methods, curriculum development, and student assessment. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course can be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of teaching decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in the classroom, and the challenges and opportunities of global education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you will be responsible for advising clients on legal matters, representing them in court, and drafting legal documents. You will need to have a deep understanding of the law, legal procedure, and legal ethics. The Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives course may be helpful to you in this role, as it will help you to develop a strong understanding of the ethical implications of legal decisions, the importance of cultural sensitivity in legal practice, and the challenges and opportunities of global law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives.

The Future as Cultural Fact

Save

Provides a critical analysis of the concept of globalization and its impact on culture. Appadurai argues that globalization is not simply a process of Westernization, but rather a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that is reshaping cultures around the world.

Ethics, Culture, and Global Perspectives

Two deals to help you save

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical ethics for global professionals

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses