Teaching Business Ethics: What, Why, Who, Where, and When

Abstract

Abstract Widespread sentiment currently exists that business ethics should receive more attention in business schools than it does. However, there are basic disagreements about what business ethics is, why it should be taught, who should teach it, what department should be responsible for it, and where it should be included in the curriculum. This article reviews major positions and current practice regarding these topics. An integrated approach is then taken to answering the questions raised in the title. Business ethics consists of two elements: the theoretical principles of morally right and wrong actions and the application of these principles to business situations. Business ethics is taught primarily to increase awareness of ethical aspects of business situations and to improve the level of ethical reasoning. Once a position is taken on the questions of what and why, the questions of who, where, and when are addressed.