Ethical Startup Challenge: Code of Ethics and Impact Analysis
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we, as aspiring entrepreneurs, design and implement a startup with a robust code of ethics that not only ensures its success and positive reputation but also fosters ethical behavior among diverse stakeholders, mitigating the potential consequences of unethical actions?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does a company's code of ethics affect its reputation and success?
- What communication strategies are most effective for maintaining ethical standards in a business?
- How can diverse partnerships influence a startup's ethical practices?
- What are the potential consequences of unethical behavior for a startup and its stakeholders?
- How can entrepreneurs promote and ensure ethical behavior within their startups?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to create a comprehensive code of ethics for their startup.
- Students will be able to evaluate different communication methods for various business scenarios.
- Students will be able to effectively collaborate with diverse partners.
- Students will be able to analyze the effects of ethical and unethical behavior on a business.
- Students will be able to identify strategies for facilitating ethical behavior in their startup.
National Business Education Association
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to students'Startup Ethics Headline Generator'
Using a 'headline generator' tool, students create sensational (and ethically questionable) headlines for hypothetical startups. This playful activity forces them to confront ethical dilemmas and think critically about responsible business practices, sparking debate and laying the groundwork for their own ethical codes.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.'Ethical Compass: Startup Values Brainstorm'
Students brainstorm and define the core values that will guide their startup's ethical decision-making.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 list of the startup's top 5 core values with a brief explanation of why each value is important.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.11 (Develop a code of ethics for a business venture) by establishing the foundational values for the code.'Code of Conduct: Drafting Ethical Guidelines'
Students develop specific guidelines and rules based on their core values to create a draft code of ethics for their startup.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 draft code of ethics document that includes the startup's core values and specific guidelines for ethical behavior.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.11 (Develop a code of ethics for a business venture) by creating the specific rules and guidelines that make up the code.Ethical Dilemma Theater: Act Out Your Values
Students bring their code of ethics to life by role-playing responses to realistic ethical dilemmas, enhancing engagement and critical thinking. This activity encourages creative problem-solving and deepens understanding of ethical implications.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 recorded skit or live performance demonstrating the application of their code of ethics to specific ethical dilemmas, accompanied by a written reflection on the code's strengths and areas for improvement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.12 (Analyze the effect of unethical behavior on a business) by creatively exploring the practical implications of their code of ethics in realistic business scenarios.Ethical Values in Visuals: A Stakeholder Gallery
Students will visually represent their startup's code of ethics and its importance to different stakeholders through creative mediums, fostering a deeper understanding and connection to their ethical vision.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 'Stakeholder Gallery' of visual representations demonstrating the startup's code of ethics and its relevance to diverse stakeholders, accompanied by artist statements.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.9 (Evaluate the best method of communication for business scenarios) by visually communicating ethical values to diverse stakeholders.'Ethical Behavior Incentive Program: Promoting Integrity'
Students design an incentive program to encourage and reward ethical behavior among employees.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 detailed plan for an ethical behavior incentive program, including the types of incentives, the criteria for earning them, and the implementation process.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.13 (Identify strategies that facilitate ethical behavior in a business) by creating a program to actively promote and reward ethical conduct.'Revised Code of Ethics: Final Draft'
Students revise and finalize their code of ethics based on the feedback from the ethical dilemma simulations and the stakeholder communication plan.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 final, polished code of ethics document that is ready to be implemented in the startup.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with NBEA Entrepreneurship Standard 1.C.11 (Develop a code of ethics for a business venture) by refining and finalizing the code based on real-world testing and feedback.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioEthical Startup Challenge: Portfolio Rubric
Core Values Identification & Explanation
Evaluates the clarity, relevance, and justification of the startup's chosen core values.Value Selection
Quality and relevance of the chosen core values to ethical business practices.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe startup has identified 5 core values that are exceptionally relevant to ethical business practices and clearly aligned with the startup's mission and operations. The values demonstrate a deep understanding of ethical considerations.
Proficient
3 PointsThe startup has identified 5 core values that are relevant to ethical business practices and generally aligned with the startup's mission and operations. The values demonstrate a good understanding of ethical considerations.
Developing
2 PointsThe startup has identified 5 core values, but their relevance to ethical business practices or alignment with the startup's mission is not always clear. The values demonstrate a basic understanding of ethical considerations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe startup has identified fewer than 5 core values, and their relevance to ethical business practices or alignment with the startup's mission is minimal. The values demonstrate a limited understanding of ethical considerations.
Value Justification
Clarity and depth of explanation for why the chosen values are essential.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe explanation of why each core value is essential is exceptionally clear, insightful, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the value's impact on the startup's ethical culture and business success.
Proficient
3 PointsThe explanation of why each core value is essential is clear, well-reasoned, and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the value's impact on the startup's ethical culture and business success.
Developing
2 PointsThe explanation of why each core value is essential is present but may lack clarity or depth. The explanation demonstrates a basic understanding of the value's impact on the startup's ethical culture and business success.
Beginning
1 PointsThe explanation of why each core value is essential is minimal, unclear, or missing. The explanation demonstrates a limited understanding of the value's impact on the startup's ethical culture and business success.
Code of Ethics Development
Assesses the creation of specific, actionable ethical guidelines aligned with the identified core values.Guideline Specificity
How well the guidelines translate core values into concrete, actionable behaviors.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe guidelines are exceptionally specific, actionable, and clearly demonstrate how each core value translates into observable behaviors. The guidelines are comprehensive and leave no room for ambiguity.
Proficient
3 PointsThe guidelines are specific, actionable, and clearly demonstrate how each core value translates into observable behaviors. The guidelines are generally comprehensive and leave little room for ambiguity.
Developing
2 PointsThe guidelines are somewhat specific and actionable, but the connection to the core values may not always be clear. Some guidelines may be vague or open to interpretation.
Beginning
1 PointsThe guidelines are vague, lack actionability, and do not clearly demonstrate how they relate to the core values. The guidelines are incomplete and open to significant ambiguity.
Ethical Coverage
Breadth and depth of ethical issues covered by the code of ethics.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe code of ethics covers a wide range of relevant ethical issues with exceptional depth and nuance. It addresses potential conflicts of interest, stakeholder concerns, and industry-specific ethical challenges comprehensively.
Proficient
3 PointsThe code of ethics covers a range of relevant ethical issues with good depth and detail. It addresses potential conflicts of interest, stakeholder concerns, and industry-specific ethical challenges effectively.
Developing
2 PointsThe code of ethics covers some relevant ethical issues, but the depth of coverage may be limited. Some potential conflicts of interest, stakeholder concerns, or industry-specific ethical challenges may be overlooked.
Beginning
1 PointsThe code of ethics covers few ethical issues, and the depth of coverage is minimal. Many potential conflicts of interest, stakeholder concerns, or industry-specific ethical challenges are missing.
Ethical Dilemma Application
Evaluates the ability to apply the code of ethics to resolve realistic ethical dilemmas and identify areas for improvement.Scenario Response
Effectiveness of applying the code of ethics to address the ethical dilemma scenarios.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe response to the ethical dilemma scenarios demonstrates an exceptional understanding of the code of ethics and its application. The team creatively and effectively applies the code to resolve the dilemmas in a way that aligns with the startup's core values.
Proficient
3 PointsThe response to the ethical dilemma scenarios demonstrates a thorough understanding of the code of ethics and its application. The team effectively applies the code to resolve the dilemmas in a way that aligns with the startup's core values.
Developing
2 PointsThe response to the ethical dilemma scenarios demonstrates a basic understanding of the code of ethics, but the application may be inconsistent or incomplete. The team may struggle to fully resolve the dilemmas in a way that aligns with the startup's core values.
Beginning
1 PointsThe response to the ethical dilemma scenarios demonstrates a limited understanding of the code of ethics, and the application is minimal or missing. The team is unable to effectively resolve the dilemmas or connect them to the startup's core values.
Code Improvement
Quality of identified areas for improvement in the code of ethics based on the dilemma simulations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe team identifies exceptionally insightful and relevant areas for improvement in the code of ethics based on the dilemma simulations. The identified areas demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the code's limitations and potential for enhancement.
Proficient
3 PointsThe team identifies relevant areas for improvement in the code of ethics based on the dilemma simulations. The identified areas demonstrate a thorough understanding of the code's limitations and potential for enhancement.
Developing
2 PointsThe team identifies some areas for improvement in the code of ethics based on the dilemma simulations, but the suggestions may lack depth or relevance. The identified areas demonstrate a basic understanding of the code's limitations.
Beginning
1 PointsThe team fails to identify meaningful areas for improvement in the code of ethics based on the dilemma simulations, or the suggestions are irrelevant. The identified areas demonstrate a limited understanding of the code's limitations.
Stakeholder Communication
Assesses the effectiveness of communicating ethical values to diverse stakeholders through visual representations.Visual Representation
Clarity, creativity, and effectiveness of the visual representations in communicating ethical values.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe visual representations are exceptionally clear, creative, and effectively communicate the startup's ethical values to diverse stakeholders. The visuals are engaging, visually appealing, and tailored to the specific stakeholder group.
Proficient
3 PointsThe visual representations are clear, creative, and effectively communicate the startup's ethical values to diverse stakeholders. The visuals are engaging and visually appealing.
Developing
2 PointsThe visual representations are somewhat clear and communicate the startup's ethical values to diverse stakeholders, but the creativity or effectiveness may be limited. Some visuals may lack clarity or engagement.
Beginning
1 PointsThe visual representations are unclear, lack creativity, and fail to effectively communicate the startup's ethical values to diverse stakeholders. The visuals are unengaging and poorly designed.
Stakeholder Relevance
Demonstrated understanding of stakeholder needs and concerns in the visual representations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe visual representations demonstrate an exceptional understanding of the diverse stakeholders' needs and concerns. Each visual is thoughtfully designed to address the specific ethical considerations relevant to that stakeholder group.
Proficient
3 PointsThe visual representations demonstrate a thorough understanding of the diverse stakeholders' needs and concerns. Each visual is designed to address the specific ethical considerations relevant to that stakeholder group.
Developing
2 PointsThe visual representations demonstrate a basic understanding of the diverse stakeholders' needs and concerns, but the connection to the ethical considerations may not always be clear.
Beginning
1 PointsThe visual representations demonstrate a limited understanding of the diverse stakeholders' needs and concerns, and the connection to the ethical considerations is minimal or missing.
Ethical Incentive Program
Evaluates the design of an effective incentive program to promote ethical behavior among employees.Incentive Design
Creativity and appropriateness of the chosen incentives for promoting ethical behavior.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe incentive program includes creative and highly appropriate incentives that are directly linked to ethical behavior. The incentives are motivating, meaningful, and likely to foster a strong ethical culture within the startup.
Proficient
3 PointsThe incentive program includes appropriate incentives that are linked to ethical behavior. The incentives are motivating and likely to promote ethical conduct within the startup.
Developing
2 PointsThe incentive program includes some incentives, but their appropriateness or link to ethical behavior may be weak. The incentives may not be particularly motivating or effective in promoting ethical conduct.
Beginning
1 PointsThe incentive program includes few or inappropriate incentives that are not clearly linked to ethical behavior. The incentives are unlikely to promote ethical conduct within the startup.
Implementation Plan
Feasibility and clarity of the implementation plan for the incentive program.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe implementation plan is exceptionally detailed, feasible, and clearly outlines the steps for implementing and managing the incentive program. The plan includes specific criteria for earning the incentives, a timeline, and a process for evaluating the program's effectiveness.
Proficient
3 PointsThe implementation plan is detailed, feasible, and clearly outlines the steps for implementing and managing the incentive program. The plan includes criteria for earning the incentives and a timeline.
Developing
2 PointsThe implementation plan is somewhat detailed but may lack clarity or feasibility in some areas. The plan may be missing specific criteria for earning the incentives or a clear timeline.
Beginning
1 PointsThe implementation plan is vague, lacks detail, and is not feasible. The plan is missing essential components, such as criteria for earning the incentives or a timeline.
Final Code of Ethics
Assesses the quality and completeness of the final code of ethics document.Clarity and Conciseness
How understandable and straightforward the language of the code is.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe code is written in exceptionally clear and concise language, making it easily understandable for all stakeholders. There is no ambiguity or jargon.
Proficient
3 PointsThe code is written in clear and concise language, making it understandable for most stakeholders. There is minimal ambiguity or jargon.
Developing
2 PointsThe code is generally understandable, but some sections may be unclear or contain jargon. The language could be more concise.
Beginning
1 PointsThe code is difficult to understand due to unclear language, jargon, or convoluted sentence structure. It lacks clarity and conciseness.
Comprehensiveness
How thoroughly the code addresses relevant ethical considerations.
Exemplary
4 PointsThe code comprehensively addresses all relevant ethical considerations for the startup, leaving no significant gaps in coverage. It anticipates potential ethical dilemmas and provides clear guidance.
Proficient
3 PointsThe code addresses most relevant ethical considerations for the startup, with only minor gaps in coverage. It provides guidance for common ethical dilemmas.
Developing
2 PointsThe code addresses some relevant ethical considerations, but significant gaps in coverage remain. It may not provide sufficient guidance for common ethical dilemmas.
Beginning
1 PointsThe code addresses few relevant ethical considerations and has major gaps in coverage. It provides little to no guidance for ethical dilemmas.