Code of Ethics Creator: Designing a Business's Ethical Compass
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we create a code of ethics that not only guides a new business venture but also safeguards its reputation and promotes ethical conduct in a constantly evolving world?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the core ethical principles that should guide a new business venture?
- How does a code of ethics influence the culture and reputation of a business?
- What communication strategies are most effective for promoting and enforcing a code of ethics within a company and to its stakeholders?
- How can a business ensure its code of ethics is relevant and adaptable in a dynamic business environment?
- What are the potential consequences of ethical breaches, and how can a business mitigate these risks through its code of ethics?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will define core ethical principles relevant to business.
- Students will develop a comprehensive code of ethics for a new business venture.
- Students will analyze the impact of ethical and unethical behavior on a business’s reputation.
- Students will formulate effective communication strategies for promoting and enforcing the code of ethics.
- Students will identify methods for adapting a code of ethics to address evolving business challenges.
National Business Education Association Entrepreneurship Standard 1
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsThe 'Wall of Shame' and 'Hall of Fame'
Create two contrasting displays: one showcasing examples of companies that failed due to ethical lapses and another highlighting companies praised for their ethical conduct. Students analyze these case studies to identify patterns, consequences, and benefits, setting the stage for designing their own ethical guidelines.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ethical Dilemma Decoder: Case Study Analysis
Students analyze real-world case studies of ethical dilemmas faced by businesses. They identify the ethical issues, stakeholders involved, and potential consequences of different actions. This activity prepares them to anticipate and address potential ethical challenges in their own code of ethics.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA written analysis of each case study, including identification of ethical issues, stakeholders, consequences, and potential preventative measures based on a code of ethics.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 3 (Students will analyze the impact of ethical and unethical behavior on a business’s reputation.) and NBEA-ES-1.C.3.12 (Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business.)Ethical Compass: Core Values Identification
Students brainstorm and define core ethical principles relevant to various business functions (e.g., marketing, finance, HR). They will research existing company values and ethical statements to inform their own definitions.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA document outlining the top 5 core values with detailed definitions and examples of their application in a business context.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses Learning Goal 1 (Students will define core ethical principles relevant to business.) and NBEA-ES-1.C.3.11 (Develop a code of ethics for a business venture.)Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioCode of Ethics Portfolio Rubric
Ethical Dilemma Analysis
This category assesses the student's ability to analyze real-world ethical dilemmas, identify key issues and stakeholders, and understand the consequences of different actions.Identification of Ethical Issues
The extent to which the student accurately identifies and explains the core ethical issues present in the case studies.
Exemplary
4 PointsIdentifies and thoroughly explains all core ethical issues with insightful analysis and nuanced understanding.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains most of the core ethical issues in the case studies.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some of the ethical issues but struggles to fully explain their significance.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or inaccurately describes the ethical issues in the case studies.
Stakeholder Analysis
The depth of analysis of the stakeholders involved and their interests in the ethical dilemmas.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive analysis of all stakeholders, their interests, and the complex relationships between them.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies and analyzes the key stakeholders and their primary interests.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some stakeholders but provides a limited analysis of their interests.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or inaccurately describes the relevant stakeholders.
Consequence Analysis
The ability to analyze potential consequences (positive and negative) of different courses of action.
Exemplary
4 PointsThoroughly analyzes both positive and negative consequences, demonstrating a deep understanding of the potential impact of each course of action. Considers both short-term and long-term effects.
Proficient
3 PointsAnalyzes the primary positive and negative consequences of different courses of action.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some potential consequences but lacks depth in the analysis.
Beginning
1 PointsFails to identify or inaccurately describes the consequences of different actions.
Core Values Identification
This category evaluates the student's ability to identify, define, and apply core values relevant to a business context.Relevance of Core Values
The extent to which the selected core values are relevant and appropriate for a business.
Exemplary
4 PointsSelects highly relevant and insightful core values that directly address potential ethical challenges in a business setting.
Proficient
3 PointsSelects relevant core values that are generally appropriate for a business.
Developing
2 PointsSelects some core values that are relevant but includes values that are less applicable or too generic.
Beginning
1 PointsSelects core values that are largely irrelevant or inappropriate for a business.
Definition and Application
The clarity and specificity of the definitions provided for each core value, along with examples of their application in a business context.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides clear, concise, and insightful definitions of each core value, with compelling and specific examples of their application in various business scenarios.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear definitions of each core value and offers relevant examples of their application.
Developing
2 PointsProvides definitions that are somewhat vague or incomplete, and the examples are not always clearly connected to the core value.
Beginning
1 PointsProvides definitions that are unclear or missing, and the examples are irrelevant or absent.
Research and Comparison
The quality of the research on existing company values and ethical statements, and how this research informs the student's own definitions.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates thorough research of diverse company values, using this research to create uniquely insightful and well-justified definitions of their own core values.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates solid research of company values and uses this research to inform their own definitions.
Developing
2 PointsShows some research but does not effectively integrate it into their own definitions of core values.
Beginning
1 PointsDemonstrates little to no research on existing company values.