BUS-203: Business Ethics

Examine corporate governance, sustainability, and real-world dilemmas in this online Business Ethics course. Learn ethical decision-making through theory and case studies from leading companies and global contexts.

Course Description

The Business Ethics course explores the role of ethical decision-making in shaping organizations, stakeholder relationships, and society at large. Using Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, 14th Edition by O. C. Ferrell, John Fraedrich, and Linda Ferrell, this course examines the foundations of ethical theory, corporate governance, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Students will analyze how organizations build and maintain ethical cultures, evaluate contemporary challenges such as globalization and technology, and consider the role of leadership in fostering accountability. Case studies drawn from companies such as FTX, Tesla, Starbucks, and Apple provide real-world examples of ethical successes and failures, helping students apply theory to practice.

The course emphasizes critical thinking and practical problem-solving, preparing students to assess ethical dilemmas and recommend solutions across business contexts. Designed for learners pursuing careers in management, finance, marketing, consulting, or leadership, this course equips students with the knowledge and frameworks to navigate complex environments with integrity. By the end of the course, students will understand how to integrate ethical principles into decision-making and organizational strategy.

Textbook: Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases (14th Edition) by O. C. Ferrell, John Fraedrich, Linda Ferrell.

Course Objectives

Explain the importance of business ethics and its relationship to stakeholder management and corporate governance.

Analyze ethical issues in organizations using moral philosophies, values, and decision-making models.

Evaluate the impact of sustainability, globalization, and technology on ethical business practices.

Assess how organizational culture and leadership influence ethical behavior.

Design and recommend strategies for implementing effective ethics programs.

Apply ethical frameworks to real-world business cases and propose practical solutions.

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Course Contents

Part 1. An Overview of Business Ethics

The Importance of Business Ethics

Stakeholder Relationships, Social Responsibility, and Corporate Governance

Sustainability: Social and Ethical Dimensions

Part 2. Ethical Issues and the Institutionalization of Business Ethics

The Institutionalization of Business Ethics

Emerging Business Ethics Issues

Part 3. The Decision-Making Process

Ethical Decision Making

Individual Factors: Moral Philosophies and Values

Organizational Factors: The Role of Ethical Culture and Relationships

Implementing Business Ethics in a Global Economy

Developing and Implementing an Effective Ethics Program

Global Business Ethics Issues

Ethical Leadership

Technology: Ethics and Social Responsibility Issues

Cases

Real-world cases highlight ethical challenges in corporate governance, sustainability, responsibility, and leadership across diverse industries. Failures to companies recognized for their ethical practices.

Single Course or Program Option

This course may be purchased individually or as part of the certificate programs listed below.

Business Management & Leadership

Recommended Prerequisites

Accreditation You Can Trust

Washington Technical Institute is fully accredited by the Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS)—a regional accrediting agency recognized for setting high standards in education. This accreditation affirms that our programs, operations, and outcomes meet rigorous academic and institutional benchmarks. MSA-CESS accreditation is a mark of quality that ensures our students receive an education that is both credible and respected. It also means WTI is committed to continuous improvement, student success, and accountability at every level.