Teaching Business Ethics:Why, What and HowJames WeberDirector of the Beard Center for Leadership in Ethics, Duquesne UniversityPart of the Ethics Seminars for the SpringZicklin School of BusinessBaruch College, City University of New YorkMarch 13, 2003Teaching Business EthicsWhy–the need for business ethics education in our educational institutionsWhat–the approach to business ethics education to maximize effectivenessHow–the requisite supportive environment to better ensure successThe need for business ethics•Corporate greed, fraud, illegalities, etc.Could a course in business ethics (or a series of courses) have prevented Enron, WorldCom, Tyco, Sprint, Ahold … … … ?Probably not. As Arlow & Ulrich reported years ago in their 1985 study … … … Motivation for teaching business ethics?•The need to model ethical behavior; true in any organization, particularly important for institutions of learning.•The desire to feel a sense of pride in the ethicality of my organization and in my organization’s support of my acting in an ethical manner.The state of ethics in educational institutionsIt does not look good … … …•SIFE survey = 59% admit to cheating, only 19% would report a cheater•U of Maryland students cheated on accounting exam via text messages on their cell phones•Student feel competitive pressures and primacy of test scores/grades as causesCalls for business school action •Blue Ribbon Commission on Public Trust and Private Enterprise: improve courses, finance research, punish violators•A Call to Arms and Plan for Collective Action(target = AACSB): change accreditation language, support creation of ethics courses•Business Week online poll: stand alone course, do a better job, be practical in instructionAn approach to maximize effectivenessAt Duquesne University, Schools of Business•NOT a response to the Enron environment•Rooted in our mission and tradition:–Business Ethics (1993) undergrad requirement–Applied Ethics (2001) graduate requirement (in addition to Public Affairs Management and ethics electives for MBA concentration)Business Ethics:undergraduate requirementAn applied approach•Philosophers not mentioned or studied•Focus is on ethical decision-making toolsThe 3 Rs of Ethics•Recognition –List of Ethical Principles•Reasoning –ethics theories & CMD•Resolution –defensible resolution(s)Business Ethics:undergraduate requirementA service learning approach•Community service at local agencies•Groups visit, de-brief, present to class•Final focus: business-agency partnership for MUTUAL benefitBusiness Ethics:undergraduate requirementA “Building a Just Community” approach•Create “personal” code of ethics•Analyze School’s Code of Ethical Behavior, sign-off procedure•Wrestle with ethical issues in groups•Discuss responsibility for internal, confidential whistle-blowerApplied Ethics: graduate requirementA “toolbox” approach•One of the first five skills courses taken in the program•Creates a decision framework for subsequent courses/instructors to use•Introduces Code of Ethical behavior to govern/influence actions