90747 - Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to present the fundamental theories that deal with (i) the role of companies in society and the meaning to be assigned to profits and to share value, (ii) with the relationships with stakeholders and (iii) with the business ethics. Specifically, the objective of the course is to achieve a level of knowledge that allows students to interpret the transformations taking place in the relationship between business and society as the consequence of the evolution of information technology. The course is articulated in two sections. A first section introduces the theoretical background while, in a second section, the economic and socio-political role played by companies such as Google, Facebook e Amazon will be analysed.

Course contents

 

What business ethics is?

Moral dilemma in business decision-making

Stakeholder theory

The concept of Corporate Sociale Responsibility

Traditional normative ethical theories

Alternative normative ethical theories

Descriptive ethical theories

Ethical management: Tools and processes

Specific ethical dilemmas: The relationship with shareholders

Specific ethical dilemmas: The relationship with employees

Specific ethical dilemmas: The relationship with consumers

Specific ethical dilemmas: The relationship with Suppliers and competitors

Specific ethical dilemmas: The relationship with civil society

Readings/Bibliography

Texts:

Crane, A., Matten, D., Glozer, S. e L. Spence. 5° Edizione. 2019. Business Ethics. Oxford University Press.

Arnold, D. G., Beauchamp, T. L. and N. E. Bowie. (2020). Ethical Theory and Business (10th Edition). Cambridge University Press.

 

Other materials:

• Coen, D., Grant, W., e G. Wilson. 2011. The Oxford Handbook of Business and Government. Oxford University Press.
• Dardot, P. e C. Laval. 2016. La Nuova Ragione del Mondo. DeriveApprodi.
• Habermas, J. (1996). Between Facts and Norms. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
• Mitnick, B. M. 1993. Corporate Political Agency. Sage.
• Picketty, T. 2020. Capitale e Ideologia. La Nave di Teseo.
• Rasche, A., Morsing, M. e J. Moon. 2017. Corporate Social Responsibility. Cambridge University Press.
  
• Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Cambridge, MA: Belknap Press.
• Scherer, A.G., e G. Palazzo (2007). Toward a political conception of corporate responsibility: Business and society seen from a Habermasian perspective. Academy of Management Review, 32(4): 1096-1120.
• Zuboff, S. 2019. Il Capitalismo della Sorveglianza. LUISS University Press.

Teaching methods

Lectures.

A number of classes are planned in which students discuss the themes of the course with representatives of business, profit and non-profit, cooperatives and NGO.

Attendance is mandatory.

Assessment methods

Written examination in Italian articulated in:

1. section with multiple-choice questions,

2. section with essay.

The examination generally consists of between five and ten questions. No oral examination is required, including any supplementary oral assessment.

The examination is graded on a 30-point scale. No midterm assessments are scheduled.

During the examination, the use of notes is not permitted, and computers and mobile phones must be switched off and may not be used.

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is prohibited in all assessments. Any use of AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

To successfully take the examination, it is essential to study the required textbook, from which the exam questions are drawn. The instructor's lecture notes and classroom lectures do not replace the required textbook. On the other hand, although class attendance is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) or temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's designated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for eligible students. Such accommodations must be submitted to the course instructor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The instructor will assess their suitability in light of the intended learning outcomes of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Edoardo Mollona