Integrating Mini-Debates in Business & Society/Business Ethics Classes

Abstract

In-class debates are an effective teaching method to cover contentious subjects. This article presents an experiential exercise in which students participate in debates pertaining to the inherent conflict between businesses’ profit motive and the broader interests of society. Included in this article are classroom instructions for the exercise and potential issues for debates. In addition to requiring students to consider the multiple perspectives of contentious business issues, mini-debates offer a highly interactive activity for courses at the undergraduate or graduate level.