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Ethical Decision-Making

Labor and Production Dilemmas

John Kline

Labor and production standards, meant to ensure the safety of workers and consumers, are neither universally accepted nor always enforced. Where local governments fail to act, global corporations may receive pressure to step in. In this course, you will consider ethical questions about the role of international businesses in preventing harm abroad.

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Labor and production standards, meant to ensure the safety of workers and consumers, are neither universally accepted nor always enforced. Where local governments fail to act, global corporations may receive pressure to step in. In this course, you will consider ethical questions about the role of international businesses in preventing harm abroad.

Should international retailers require their foreign suppliers to pay workers a living wage? Should products that are banned domestically be exported for sale? Using conceptual tools for ethical analysis, you will consider case studies about sweatshops, pesticides, the sale of bodily organs, and clinical trials. The transferrable frameworks you will learn can be applied to ethical questions in a variety of contexts.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Identify the different codes used for upholding labor standards.
  • Apply rules- and results-based approaches in relation to worker rights as well as product safety and quality measures.
  • Utilize a connection continuum to understand how global corporate responsibilities may be based on their capability to act rather than exclusively on a causation link to abuses.
  • Analyze the spectrum of demand-side vs. supply-side responsibility through the lens of "degree of responsibility" factors.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the challenges of upholding labor standards in a globalized economy
Provides a framework for ethical analysis of international business practices
Uses case studies to illustrate ethical dilemmas faced by global corporations
Taught by John Kline, an expert in global business ethics
Suitable for learners interested in business ethics, international relations, and global supply chains
Requires a basic understanding of business ethics principles

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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 Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas with these activities:
Walkthrough of Ethical Standards for Multinational Corporations
Gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical standards and guidelines for multinational corporations.
Show steps
  • Review the UN Global Compact and other relevant ethical frameworks.
  • Explore case studies and examples of ethical practices in global business.
  • Identify best practices and lessons learned from successful ethical decision-making.
Guest Speaker Panel on Corporate Social Responsibility
Gain insights from industry experts on real-world challenges and best practices in corporate social responsibility.
Browse courses on Corporate Social Responsibility
Show steps
  • Attend a guest speaker panel featuring professionals from global corporations or NGOs.
  • Listen to their experiences and perspectives on ethical decision-making and corporate responsibility.
  • Ask questions and engage in discussions.
Ethical Decision-Making Simulations
Enhance practical application of ethical principles by simulating real-world scenarios in global business.
Browse courses on Ethical Decision-Making
Show steps
  • Participate in online or in-class simulations that present ethical dilemmas.
  • Analyze the case, identify ethical issues, and consider various stakeholders.
  • Make ethical choices and defend reasoning.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Review: 'Globalization and its Discontents Revisited' by Stiglitz
Provide a nuanced perspective on the impact of globalization on economic development and its implications for ethical considerations.
View The Road to Freedom: Economics and the Good... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read Chapters 2 and 3 to understand the main arguments of the book.
  • Summarize the key criticisms of globalization and their implications for economic development.
  • Connect the arguments to ethical considerations and responsibilities of international businesses.
Peer Review of Ethical Analysis
Enhance critical thinking skills by providing and receiving constructive feedback on ethical analyses.
Browse courses on Peer Review
Show steps
  • Pair up with a peer and exchange ethical analysis papers or case study summaries.
  • Provide written or verbal feedback, focusing on strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
  • Engage in discussion to clarify concepts and gain different perspectives.
Ethical Case Study Analysis Paper
Develop critical thinking and analytical skills in evaluating ethical dilemmas faced by global corporations.
Browse courses on Case Studies
Show steps
  • Identify a relevant case study involving a global corporation operating in a developing country.
  • Research the case and gather information from multiple perspectives.
  • Analyze the ethical issues involved, considering different stakeholders and their interests.
  • Recommend an ethical course of action for the corporation, supported by evidence and reasoning.
Proposal for an Ethical Sourcing Policy
Develop a comprehensive proposal for an ethical sourcing policy, incorporating principles of labor rights, environmental sustainability, and transparency.
Show steps
  • Research existing ethical sourcing standards and frameworks.
  • Identify potential areas for improvement in the supply chain.
  • Develop a draft policy outline, including specific guidelines and monitoring mechanisms.
  • Seek feedback from stakeholders, including suppliers, NGOs, and consumers.
  • Finalize and present the policy proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants help organizations to improve their social and environmental performance. They advise organizations on how to adopt sustainable practices and reduce their environmental impact. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Consultant
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies. They work to ensure that their organizations are operating in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting social responsibility and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Global Supply Chain Manager
Global Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They work to ensure that their organizations are sourcing materials and products in a responsible manner. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Global Supply Chain Manager
International Human Rights Lawyer
International Human Rights Lawyers advocate for the protection of human rights around the world. They work to ensure that governments and organizations respect human rights and freedoms. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Human Rights Lawyer
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people in need around the world. They work to provide food, shelter, medical care, and other essential services to those affected by war, natural disasters, and other emergencies. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Humanitarian Aid Worker
International Development Consultant
International Development Consultants work with governments and organizations to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They provide advice on economic policy, education, healthcare, and other areas. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Consultant
Compliance Manager
Compliance Managers oversee regulatory compliance within their organizations. They make sure that organizations follow all applicable laws and regulations. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by discussing the role of international businesses in preventing harm abroad. By teaching students how to identify and uphold labor standards, this course can help prepare them for a career in compliance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers oversee the planning, execution, and closure of projects. They work to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the skills needed to manage projects and make decisions that are in the best interests of the project and its stakeholders.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Nonprofit Manager
Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They work to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of the community. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the skills needed to manage a nonprofit organization and make decisions that are in the best interests of the community.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers oversee the quality of products and services. They work to ensure that products and services meet the required quality standards. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the skills needed to manage quality assurance programs and make decisions that are in the best interests of the organization and its customers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Manager
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts assess the efficiency and effectiveness of supply chains. They work to identify and mitigate risks, optimize inventory levels, and improve customer service. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Analyst
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability Analysts assess the environmental and social impact of organizations. They work to help organizations reduce their environmental footprint and improve their social performance. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the skills needed to conduct sustainability assessments and make recommendations for improvement.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They provide advice to governments and organizations on how to develop and implement effective policies. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to be a successful policy analyst.
See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst
Public Health Advocate
Public Health Advocates work to promote the health and well-being of communities. They advocate for policies and programs that improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to understand the role of businesses in promoting sustainability and protecting workers' rights.
See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Advocate
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on news stories. They work to inform the public about important issues and events. The Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas course may help build a foundation for this career path by teaching students about the ethical issues surrounding labor and production. This course will help students to develop the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to be a successful journalist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Reading list

We've selected seven 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 Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas.
Cover image
Ties that Bind
Save
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding the ethical issues involved in global business, including the responsibilities of multinational corporations to workers, consumers, and the environment.
Ties That Bind: A Social Contracts Approach to...
Hardcover
$$
Cover image
Essentials of Strategic Management 4e
Save
Provides a vision for the future of corporate social responsibility, arguing that businesses must move beyond philanthropy and compliance to create shared value for all stakeholders.
Essentials of Strategic Management 4e
Paperback
Check
Essentials of Strategic Management 4e
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Civil Corporation
Save
Provides a practical guide to building an ethical corporation, covering topics such as stakeholder engagement, transparency, and accountability.
The Civil Corporation
Paperback
Check
The Civil Corporation
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Blood and Earth
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the problem of slavery in the global economy, covering topics such as the causes of slavery, the impact of slavery on workers, and the role of businesses in combating slavery.
Blood and Earth
Paperback
Check
Blood and Earth
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The End of Cheap China, Revised and Updated
Save
Provides a look at the changing landscape of manufacturing in China, and the implications for businesses and consumers around the world.
The End of Cheap China, Revised and Updated
Paperback
Check
The End of Cheap China, Revised and Updated
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Wal-Mart Effect
Save
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at Walmart, the world's largest retailer, and its impact on the global economy.
The Wal-Mart Effect
Paperback
Check
The Wal-Mart Effect
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Science of Our Changing Climate
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the climate crisis, covering topics such as the science of climate change, the impacts of climate change, and the solutions to climate change.
The Science of Our Changing Climate
Paperback
$$$
The Science of Our Changing Climate
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Course image
Effort
3 to 5 hours per week for 9 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Georgetown University
Instructor
John Kline
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a collection called Ethical Decision-Making for Global Managers. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Foundations of Ethical Decision-Making: Government and Political Issues
  2. Ethical Decision-Making: Labor and Production Dilemmas (viewing)
  3. Ethical Decision-Making: Cultural and Environmental Impact
Good to know
Explores the challenges of upholding labor standards in a globalized economy
Provides a framework for ethical analysis of international business practices
Uses case studies to illustrate ethical dilemmas faced by global corporations
Taught by John Kline, an expert in global business ethics
Suitable for learners interested in business ethics, international relations, and global supply chains
Requires a basic understanding of business ethics principles
Share and help others discover this course.
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