Social Responsibility and Business Ethics
Discussions on social responsibility and business ethics often center on looking at case studies of organizations who are either socially responsible vs. socially irresponsible; very few studies explore the linkages between social responsibility and business ethics based on the impact that a rigorous curriculum coupled with student written case studies at a U.S. university may have on future leaders of organizations. This paper will look at the how such a curriculum could impact moral and ethical philosophies in young adult learners and the impact that this critical thinking skill can have in the practices of business ethics as they become managers and/or leaders in their organizations and communities. In general business schools understand the importance of teaching about social responsibility and business ethics but oftentimes the linkages between this learning and actual practice are not immediately evident. Using two student written case studies as examples, this paper will show the connection between a rigorous business ethics curriculum and moral development.