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

Business Ethics

Save
May 1, 2024 Updated May 10, 2025 19 minute read

Business ethics is the application of ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in a business environment. It applies to all aspects of business conduct and is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations. At its core, business ethics is about knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing to do what is right. This involves a systematic study of moral standards as they apply to business policies, institutions, and behavior.

Working in business ethics can be intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding. Professionals in this field often find themselves at the forefront of shaping corporate culture and ensuring that companies operate in a socially responsible manner. They grapple with complex dilemmas, such as balancing profit motives with environmental protection or ensuring fair labor practices across global supply chains. The opportunity to influence corporate decision-making for the better and contribute to a more just and sustainable world is a significant draw for many. Furthermore, the increasing societal demand for ethical business practices means that expertise in this area is becoming ever more valuable.

Introduction to Business Ethics

Path to Business Ethics

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to Business Ethics. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Share

Help others find this page about Business Ethics: by sharing it with your friends and followers:

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 Business Ethics.
This comprehensive handbook provides an overview of the latest research and thinking in business ethics, covering topics such as corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and sustainability.
This companion provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and thinking in business ethics, covering topics such as corporate social responsibility, ethical leadership, and sustainability.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business ethics from a stakeholder perspective, covering topics such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical leadership.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of business ethics, with a focus on case studies and ethical decision-making.
This collection of essays from leading scholars in business ethics explores a wide range of ethical issues in business, such as corporate social responsibility, stakeholder theory, and sustainability.
Provides a practical approach to business ethics, with a focus on helping businesses develop and implement ethical policies and practices.
Examines the ethical implications of globalization for business, arguing that businesses have a moral obligation to contribute to sustainable development.
Provides a pluralistic approach to business ethics, arguing that there is no single right answer to ethical questions and that businesses should consider the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Provides a global perspective on business ethics, exploring ethical issues in different cultures and regions of the world.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser