Global Business Ethics: Navigating Labor and Production Standards

Course Description

"Global Business Ethics: Navigating Labor and Production Standards" is an engaging introductory course offered by GeorgetownX that delves into the complex world of international business ethics. This course challenges students to explore the ethical dilemmas faced by global corporations when local governments fail to enforce labor and production standards. Through a combination of theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, students will develop critical thinking skills and learn to apply ethical analysis to various business scenarios.

What Students Will Learn

• Identification and understanding of different codes used for upholding labor standards
• Application of rules- and results-based approaches to worker rights and product safety measures
• Utilization of a connection continuum to understand global corporate responsibilities
• Analysis of demand-side vs. supply-side responsibility through "degree of responsibility" factors
• Ethical decision-making frameworks applicable to various business contexts
• Critical evaluation of complex issues such as sweatshops, pesticide use, organ sales, and clinical trials

Prerequisites

This course is designed as an introductory level course and does not have any specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of business concepts and an interest in ethics and global issues would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• Labor and production standards in global business
• Ethical responsibilities of international corporations
• Case studies on sweatshops, pesticides, organ sales, and clinical trials
• Conceptual tools for ethical analysis
• Rules-based and results-based approaches to worker rights
• Product safety and quality measures in international markets
• The connection continuum of corporate responsibility
• Demand-side vs. supply-side responsibility in global supply chains
• Ethical decision-making frameworks for various business contexts

Who This Course Is For

• Business students interested in ethics and corporate social responsibility
• Professionals working in international business or supply chain management
• Individuals interested in human rights and labor standards
• Anyone looking to develop critical thinking skills in ethical decision-making
• Those pursuing a career in corporate ethics or compliance

Real-World Application of Skills

1. Make informed ethical decisions in international business contexts
2. Evaluate and improve corporate policies related to labor standards and product safety
3. Develop strategies for responsible sourcing and supply chain management
4. Contribute to discussions on corporate social responsibility and ethical business practices
5. Analyze complex ethical dilemmas and propose solutions
6. Apply ethical frameworks to various business scenarios beyond those covered in the course

Syllabus Overview

1. Introduction to global business ethics
2. Labor standards and codes of conduct
3. Product safety and quality in international markets
4. Corporate responsibility and the connection continuum
5. Case studies (sweatshops, pesticides, organ sales, clinical trials)
6. Ethical decision-making frameworks
7. Demand-side vs. supply-side responsibility
8. Application of ethical analysis to real-world scenarios