MBADM 815

Ethical and Responsible Business Leadership

Managing ethical conduct in organizations, including corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and stakeholder analysis. This course develops students' ability to understand and manage ethical conduct and social responsibility in business organizations. Topics and readings teach students to identify and understand their values with respect to others' and common ethical dilemmas. Philosophical and prescriptive approaches to decision making are applied to real and hypothetical ethical dilemmas. Individual differences and cognitive barriers are studied to understand their role in ethical judgement. Students learn to voice their values and to analyze whistle-blowing situations. Techniques for leading individuals and teams toward ethical conduct are discussed. Organizational culture is audited to understand its role in corporate actors' decision making. Corporate social responsibility, stakeholder analysis, and sustainability are discussed from an historical and applied perspective. Global issues including bribery, human rights, corruption, and global standards as guiding principles are discussed.    

 

Overview

This course develops students’ ability to understand and manage ethical conduct and social responsibility in business organizations. Topics include individual and corporate values, philosophical and prescriptive approaches to decision making, individual difference and cognitive barriers relevant to ethical judgement, speaking up and whistle-blowing, leading individuals toward ethical conduct, organizational culture, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder analysis, sustainability, and global issues.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

• Be able to identify their own values and understand how those relate to others’ values, ethical dilemmas, and their resolution.
• Recognize and address common ethical issues that arise for individuals, managers, and businesses.
• Be able to apply philosophical/prescriptive approaches to resolving real and hypothetical ethical dilemmas.
• Understand and be able to articulate how individual differences and cognitive barriers can influence ethical judgment.
• Understand and be able to articulate when and how to speak up when necessary to align your ethical behavior with your values.
• Understand and be able to articulate how to assess potential whistle - blowing situations.
• Understand and be able to articulate how to lead individuals and teams toward ethical conduct.
• Be able to analyze an ethical organizational culture to assess its impact on ethical decisions and actions.
• Be able to discuss the concepts of corpor ate social responsibility, sustainability, and stakeholder analysis, and apply these to specific cases.
• Be able to recognize the additional considerations that arise when managing ethics and social responsibility internationally.

THE OMBA PILLARS OF LEARNING

INTEGRATION, COLLABORATION, AND ENGAGEMENT(ICE)

The OMBA is designed around the three-part ICE framework, a teaching and learning approach that incorporates the principles of Integration, Collaboration, and Engagement (ICE). Learning and application of these essential business concepts through course content will provide students with a comprehensive and innovative outlook on the challenges in today’ business environment.

Integrative Learning: Unifies concepts across business disciplines, allowing you to engage in authentic problem solving from a holistic perspective.

Collaborative Learning: Embraces hands-on projects that promote team based problem solving, decision making, and project management.

Engaged Learning: Applies business concepts in an interactive and participative learning environment through the use of virtual classrooms and diverse multimedia forums.

Integration - OMBA Curricular Themes

1. LEADERSHIP -understand how to empower and inspire people through a shared vision based on ethical decision making and integrity.
2. INNOVATION -understand how to create new methods, products and/or ideas in a way that generates added value, in order to solve a problem.
3. GLOBALIZATION -understand the benefits of an integrated global economy by capturing on diverse perspectives related to the interconnectivity of technology, products, services, goods, and knowledge.
4. COLLABORATION -understand how groups and individuals work collectively across functions in order to achieve a common goal.
5. ETHICS -understand ethical principles and moral decision making as it relates to business decisions and management doctrines.
6. SUSTAINABILITY/COMMUNITY -understand the management of financial, social, and environment risks to ensure ongoing and responsible outcomes.
7. STRATEGY –understand the creation and implementation of a high-level plan that guides decision making in order to ensure future success.
8. ANALYTICS –understand how the collection, assessment and application of digital data can be used for optimal decision making and management.

Collaboration - Group Work in the OMBA

Each OMBA course will include some level of teamwork, given the importance that group dynamics has in the contemporary professional environment. Course team activities are designed to allow for active group problem solving and decision making. Student Badges, created in the Team Performance Course, serve as an introductory point of reference for your team members to get to know you, and your preferred working environment. OMBA teams are encouraged to meet at the beginning of each course, in order to draft/discuss a team contract, that will define that critical components of how best to work together.

Engagement - Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning

In order to provide an optimal learning experience, all OMBA courses will incorporate both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (on your own) learning activities that create balance, stimulate engagement, and appeal to diverse learning styles. All synchronous sessions will be recorded for your convenience. Live attendance is not mandatory. Conversely, asynchronous tools include discussion boards, blogs, quizzes, and tests, in which participation occurs at your own pace but within stated deadlines and due dates. Your instructor will identify when and how each synchronous and asynchronous tool will be used in this course.

 

Required Course Materials

 

Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

• access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
• borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
• get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
• much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.

Technical Requirements and Help

Technical Requirements and Help

Operating System	Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems.  To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Browser	Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.    To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements	For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software	All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
Hardware	Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution Audio: Microphone, Speakers Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.
Mobile Device (optional)	The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.
Help	If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

---

Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)

During the semester you will receive information about completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.

 

Course Requirements and Grading

Discussions

You will have the opportunity to participate in ten online asynchronous discussions with your classmates and instructor. Some of the discussions will be in small groups and some will be the full class. 

Writing Assignments

You will have five individual writing assignments throughout the semester.

Team Projects

You will work in an assigned team to complete a special topic paper and a team field project. 

Synchronous Sessions (ungraded)

Synchronous sessions will be held regularly via Zoom. An agenda will be posted in advance. The synchronous sessions will be recorded and the recordings will be posted for viewing. 

 

Course Assessment Categories

Assessment Type	Quantity	Weight/Percent of Final Grade
Discussions	10	20%
Writing Assignments	5	30%
Team Projects	2	50%

 

Grading Scale

Percentage Earned	Letter Grade
93-100	A
90-92.9	A-
87-89.9	B+
83-86.9	B
80-82.9	B-
77-79.9	C+
70-76.9	C
60-69.9	D
0-59.9	F

Please refer to the University Registrar's information about University grading policies. If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

Course Schedule

Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).

The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments.​

Lesson 1: Introduction and the Importance of Values & Responsible Leadership

Lesson 1

Timeframe:	Week One
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 1, pages 2-34
Assignments:	Clarifying Your Values Discussion Meet and Greet Discussion

Lesson 2: Prescriptive Approaches

Lesson 2

Timeframe:	Week Two
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 2, pages 38-64
Assignments:	Workplace Ethical Decision-Making Exercise Submit special topic and stakeholder positions Lesson 2 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 3: Individual Differences and Cognitive Barriers in Ethical Judgment

Lesson 3

Timeframe:	Week Three
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 3, pages 72-110
Assignments:	Personal Ethics Diary and Discussion Submit proposed business professional interviewee for Team Field Project Lesson 3 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 4: Speaking Up and Voicing Your Values

Lesson 4

Timeframe:	Week Four
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 4, pages 114-142
Assignments:	Giving Voice to Values Discussion Lesson 4 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 5: The Whistleblowing Process

Lesson 5

Timeframe:	Week Five
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 4, pages 143-152
Assignments:	Whistleblowing Process Discussion Lesson 5 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 6: Ethical Organizational Culture

Lesson 6

Timeframe:	Week Six
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 5, pages 158-198
Assignments:	Ethical Organizational Culture Discussion Lesson 6 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 7: Ethical Culture Audit

Lesson 7

Timeframe:	Week Seven
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 5, pages 199-205
Assignments:	Ethical Culture Audit Proposed interview protocol for Team Field Project Lesson 7 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 8: Ethics Organizational Structures

Lesson 8

Timeframe:	Week Eight
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 6, pages 218-224
Assignments:	Ethics Organizational Structures Assignment Special Topics Individual Paper Lesson 8 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

 

Lesson 9: Communicating Ethics in the Organization

Lesson 9

Timeframe:	Week Nine
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 6, pages 225-252
Assignments:	Ethics Communication and Training Program Assignment Lesson 9 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 10: Setting the Tone

Lesson 10

Timeframe:	Week Ten
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 7, pages 257-288
Assignments:	Sears Case Discussion Lesson 10 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 11: Employee Engagement

Lesson 11

Timeframe:	Week Eleven
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 8, pages 295-314
Assignments:	Culture Change at Texaco Case Discussion Lesson 11 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 12: Ethical Role Modeling

Lesson 12

Timeframe:	Week Twelve
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 8, pages 315-322
Assignments:	Ethical Role Modeling Group Discussion Special Topics Paper - Group Conclusion and Recommendation Lesson 12 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 13: Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability

Lesson 13

Timeframe:	Week Thirteen
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 9, pages 326-355
Assignments:	Team Corporate Social Responsibility Analysis Lesson 13 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 14: Stakeholder Management Processes

Lesson 14

Timeframe:	Week Fourteen
Readings:	Textbook Chapter 10, pages 362-391
Assignments:	Stakeholder Management Process Case Small Group Discussion Team Field Project Lesson 14 Synchronous Session (Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Lesson 15: Global Business Ethics

Lesson 15

Timeframe:	Week Fifteen
Readings	Textbook Chapter 11, pages 399-432
Assignments:	Caux Round Table Discussion Lesson 15 Synchronous Session (The first Wednesday at 8 pm EST)

Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please refer to Graduation at the Chaiken Center for Student Success.

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.

Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity (for undergraduate students in undergraduate courses) and policy GCAC-805 Academic Integrity (for graduate students and undergraduate students in graduate courses), an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity or GCAC-805 Academic Integrity as appropriate). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, procedures allow a student to accept or contest/appeal the allegation. If a student chooses to contest/appeal the allegation, the case will then be managed by the respective school, college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. Review procedures may vary by college, campus, or school, but all follow the aforementioned policies.

All academic integrity violations are referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response, which may assign an educational intervention and/or apply a Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, or Expulsion.

Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page.

Student Success and Support Resources

The Chaiken Center for Student Success at Penn State World Campus guides you to the right resources and support you need–when you need them–along your academic journey. You can connect with peers and support teams to find direction, information, and networking opportunities. On the website, you'll find information and resources on many aspects of being a World Campus student:

• Finances—tuition, scholarships, and financial aid
• Inclusion and Wellness—diversity and inclusion, mental health services, disability accommodations, care and advocacy
• Enrollment and Registration—course planning, adding and dropping courses, and much more
• Course Work and Success—academic advising, tutoring, and other services
• Involvement and Opportunities—career resources, student organizations, internships, service, study abroad, and more

Following are some key resources.

Student Disability Services

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities, whether permanent or temporary, visible or hidden, into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Graduate students: Please see the Student Disability Resources website for graduate student resources.

Students with disabilities participating in internship, practicum, student teaching, or other experiential learning opportunities as part of their degree requirements may also be eligible for reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access and opportunity. These accommodations are determined through an interactive process involving the student, their University supervisor, and the site supervisor. Student Disability Resources can assist students with identifying potential barriers, facilitating accommodation requests, and coordinating with University supervisors to promote inclusive learning experiences.

Counseling and Psychological Services

If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:

• Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
• Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
• At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
• At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.

Military Student Information

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Additional Policies

In order to protect your privacy, course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. In addition to the instructor, a teaching assistant or college administrator may be provided access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. World Campus technical staff may also be given access in order to resolve technical support issues.

1. Students are responsible for online course content, taking notes, obtaining other materials provided by the instructor, taking tests (if applicable), and completing assignments as scheduled by the instructor.  As a general rule, students should plan on logging into the course at least three times per week and spending at least three hours per course credit per week on the course, e.g., if the course is three credits, the student should plan on spending at least 9-12 hours per week on the course, just as they would in a residence course.
2. Students are responsible for keeping track of changes in the course syllabus made by the instructor throughout the semester.
3. Students are responsible for monitoring their grades.
4. Students must contact their instructor (and teammates when working on any collaborative learning assignments) as soon as possible if they anticipate missing long periods of online time due to events such as chronic illnesses, death in the family, business travel, or other appropriate events. The instructor will determine the minimal log on time and participation required in order to meet course responsibilities. In the event of other unforeseen conflicts, the instructor and student will arrive at a solution together.
   1. Instructors may require students to provide documentation with the class absence form or other written notification for events such as illness, family emergency, or a business-sanctioned activity.
   2. Conflicts with dates on which examinations or assignments are scheduled must be discussed with the instructor or TA prior to the date of the examination or assignment.
5. Students are responsible for following appropriate netiquette (network etiquette) when communicating with their instructor and classmates. For reference, see the Academic Success Kit.
6. Behaviors that disrupt other students’ learning are not acceptable and will be addressed by the instructor.
7. For severe and chronic problems with student disruptive behavior, the following will be applied for resolution:
   1. Senate Committee on Student Life policy on managing classroom disruptions: Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.
   2. Penn State Values.

Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.