Skip to Content

The Ethical Leader

Unit code: HBULDR6135

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
DurationOne Teaching Period
Contact hours36 Hours
CampusHawthorn
Prerequisites

Aims and objectives

At the conclusion of this unit, students should be able to:
  • Define ethics, morality and ethical leadership;
  • Understand and recognize the major philosophical theories of ethics and morality;
  • Understand the implications of thinking in subjective and objective realms;
  • Recognize the assumptions that underlie ethical decisions;
  • Appreciate the ethical dimension of organizational situations and societal dilemmas, and of decisions and behaviours;
  • Reflect on one’s own ethical values;
  • Demonstrate progress in narrowing the gap between one’s espoused theories of ethics and actual practice as an ethical leader;
  • Reflect on one’s own experiences in organizational life that have posed ethical dilemmas;
  • Integrate analytical and critical thinking with action in real time and in real situations;
  • Develop a personal model of ethical leadership and a process of making decisions.

Teaching methods

Classes in either weekly or block mode

Assessment

final paper 20-40%
Theory quizzes 10-20%
Ethical analysis papers 20-30%
Class Participation 20-30%

Generic skills outcomes

Swinburne University of Technology works to produce higher education graduates who are capable in their chosen profession, can contribute in an entrepreneurial and innovative way within their workplace or community, to operate effectively and ethically in their business life and are adaptable and able to manage change. It is expected that graduates will leave with a diverse wealth of experiences and will have developed individual knowledge, abilities and attitudes.

Within this context this unit will contribute to students developing the following key generic skills:
  • Teamwork skills
  • Ability to engage in critical inquiry and discussion
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Ability to tackle unfamiliar problems
  • Ability to tackle ethical business matters
  • Ability to work independently

Content

  • Leading Corporate Citizenship: Vision, Values, Value Added
  • The Three Spheres of Human Civilization
  • Personal and Organisational Vision
  • Stakeholders: The Relationship Key
  • Investment and Assessment for Corporate Citizenship
  • Sustainability and the Global Village
  • Leading Global Futures
  • How Executives Develop a Reputation for Ethical Leadership

Text books

Students are advised to check the unit outline in the relevant teaching period for appropriate textbooks and further reading.