Business Ethics and Social Responsibility

The Business Ethics and Social Responsibility course provides a comprehensive exploration of the moral principles, values, and frameworks that guide responsible decision-making in modern organisations. In a world where businesses face increasing scrutiny from stakeholders, regulators, and society at large, this course equips learners with the knowledge and analytical tools necessary to uphold integrity, fairness, and transparency in both strategic and day-to-day operations.

Delivered through a flexible, self-paced online format, this programme combines recorded video lectures, detailed written materials, downloadable PDF lecture notes and slides, and multiple-choice quizzes to reinforce understanding and application. With a recommended minimum study duration of 20 hours, learners are encouraged to engage deeply with the content and reflect on real-world ethical dilemmas across industries and cultures.

Throughout the course, participants will examine key ethical theories, explore the foundations of corporate social responsibility, and analyse how ethical leadership and sound governance contribute to long-term sustainability and stakeholder trust. Real-world examples, case studies, and applied exercises will challenge learners to evaluate complex scenarios and formulate ethically sound responses to contemporary business issues, including those linked to technology, privacy, and digital transformation.

Course Structure:
The course is divided into ten comprehensive modules:

1. Introduction to Business Ethics – Understanding the role and importance of ethics in business and society.
2. Ethical Theories & Frameworks – Exploring classical and modern approaches such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and stakeholder theory.
3. Ethical Decision-Making in Organisations – Techniques and models for evaluating moral choices in complex business contexts.
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability – Integrating ethical principles with sustainable and socially responsible strategies.
5. Stakeholder Management & Ethical Leadership – Leading with integrity and balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders.
6. Corporate Governance, Accountability & Transparency – Ensuring compliance, fairness, and responsible oversight in corporate structures.
7. Ethics in Global Business – Addressing cross-cultural ethical challenges and global supply chain responsibilities.
8. Technology, Privacy & Digital Ethics – Examining data ethics, AI accountability, and the moral implications of digital innovation.
9. Ethical Culture, Policies & Compliance – Building ethical frameworks within organisations through policy and culture.
10. Applied Business Ethics & Real-World Dilemmas – Analysing case studies and applying ethical reasoning to real business challenges.

Additional Resources:

1. Fundamentals – Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
2. Overview of Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
3. Ethical Decision Making in Business
4. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its Importance
5. Stakeholder Theory and Analysis
6. Ethical Leadership and its Impact on Organisations
7. Ethical Dilemmas in the Workplace
8. Business Ethics and Legal Compliance
9. Ethical Issues in Marketing and Advertising
10. Environmental Sustainability and Business
11. Ethical Supply Chain Management
12. Ethical Issues in Human Resource Management
13. Ethical Issues in Finance and Accounting
14. Ethical Issues in International Business
15. Ethical Issues in Technology and Innovation
16. Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
17. Ethical Issues in the Digital Age
18. Ethical Issues in Entrepreneurship
19. Ethical Issues in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
20. Ethical Issues in the Nonprofit Sector
21. Ethical Issues in Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Explain and apply core ethical theories and frameworks to business dilemmas and decision-making scenarios.
2. Evaluate the ethical responsibilities of organisations in various industries and contexts.
3. Assess ethical risks arising from organisational culture, incentive systems, global operations, and technological practices.
4. Demonstrate sound ethical reasoning and judgement in professional settings.
5. Reflect on personal values and professional responsibilities to cultivate an ethical approach to leadership and decision-making.

Who Should Take This Course?

The Business Ethics and Social Responsibility course is designed for professionals, students, and aspiring leaders who wish to strengthen their understanding of ethical principles and apply them effectively within modern business contexts. It is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their decision-making, leadership integrity, and ability to manage organisational responsibilities with transparency and accountability.

This course is particularly suitable for:

• Business Leaders and Managers – who are responsible for guiding teams, shaping corporate culture, and making decisions that impact stakeholders and society.
• HR and People Professionals – who manage workplace ethics, diversity, employee relations, and organisational compliance.
• Corporate Executives and Board Members – who oversee corporate governance, sustainability, and accountability frameworks.
• Entrepreneurs and Start-Up Founders – who aim to build ethically driven, socially responsible enterprises from the ground up.
• Marketing, Finance, and Operations Professionals – who encounter ethical challenges in day-to-day business activities, from advertising and financial reporting to supply chain management.
• Consultants and Policy Advisors – who work with organisations to develop ethical guidelines, CSR strategies, and sustainability initiatives.
• Students and Graduates – who wish to gain a solid ethical foundation to complement their academic and professional development.
• Nonprofit and Public Sector Professionals – who are involved in governance, accountability, and community-focused initiatives.

No prior qualifications are required, making this course accessible to learners from all professional backgrounds. Whether you are an emerging professional or an experienced executive, this programme will help you cultivate the ethical awareness, reasoning skills, and responsible mindset essential for leadership in today’s global business environment.

Demonstration Lecture – Introduction to Business Ethics