Ethics and The Pursuit of Social Impact

Catalog description

Leaders of organizations must often make difficult decisions that balance the rights of one set of stakeholders against another. Having multiple stakeholders or bottom-lines presents challenges when conflicts arise, with the perennial question of whose rights or benefits prevail. What trade-offs need to be made between multiple bottom lines? Does the mission of the organization prevail over the interests of employees or clients? To what extent can large donors influence the mission of the organization? What constitutes an appropriate social return on investment? This course will introduce the factors that influence moral conduct, the ethical issues that arise when pursuing social goals, and explore the best ways to promote ethical conduct within such organizations. The course will use specific case studies, both real and hypothetical, to analyze a variety of ethical issues that arise, including those related to finance, governance, accountability, fundraising, labor (paid and unpaid), client groups, and service provision while balancing multiple stakeholders and bottom-lines. This course is offered in the fall semester and will conclude by discussing ways that organizations can prevent and correct misconduct, develop a spirit of ethical behavior, and institutionalize ethical values in the organization’s culture.