Overview
In today’s complex and interconnected world, ethical leadership and sustainable business practices are more important than ever. This unit offers a dynamic exploration of personal and business ethics alongside the evolving concept of business sustainability. You will critically analyse how socio-cultural environments shape business operations, with a focus on the significant variations across global cities and countries. Through engaging case studies and real-world examples, you’ll examine ethical decision-making frameworks used by managers and how these are influenced by diverse stakeholder groups. You’ll explore the key debates surrounding sustainable development and consider its implications for organisations operating at both local and global levels. This unit also investigates the vital relationship between personal values and organisational ethics, equipping you with tools to navigate ethical challenges posed by technological change, societal expectations, and cultural diversity. By the end of the unit, you’ll not only be prepared to identify and respond to ethical dilemmas in business settings but also to lead with integrity and purpose in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2026
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Feedback in class.
Students appreciate the experience and knowledge sharing of the teaching team.
The recommendation is that the teaching team remain the same to ensure consistency of delivery across campuses.
Feedback from SUTE Commets 2025/1.
Should involve more interactive sessions rather than just watch videos.
The recommendation is to include more interactive sessions with short, engaging quizzes and polls in classes. Having some live lectures could be included.
- Examine the interconnections of ethics and sustainability in business and understand how it shapes personal decision-making in business practices and broader societal outcomes
- Critically analyse how organisations manage ethics through governance mechanisms such as codes of conduct, and anti-corruption strategies
- Evaluate how ethics is managed within organisations by applying tools and concepts such as corporate social responsibility initiatives, codes of ethics and conduct, and anti-bribery strategies to promote ethical behaviour in both business and broader civil society
- Reflect upon real-world examples of ethical standards within organisations.
The unit does not link to any specific external professional accreditation.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Reflective Practice Assignment - 50% | ||||
| 2 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 30% | ||||
| 3 - Essay - 20% | ||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||
| 4 - Research | ||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||
| 8 - First Nations Knowledges | ||||
| 9 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||
Textbooks
Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management
- (2022)
- Authors: Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J.
- Cengage Learning Australia
- ISBN: 9780357718629
Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases
- Edition: 12th (2018)
- Authors: Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L.
- CENGAGE
- ISBN: 978-9355730978
Additional Textbook Information
No.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
r.klafke@cqu.edu.au
Week 1
Begin Date: 13 Jul 2026Module/Topic
An Introduction to Business Ethics and Society
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 7.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapter 1.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Week 2
Begin Date: 20 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Individual Values and Morality
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 7.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapters 5 & 6.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Compulsory Moral Accountability Case Study in class.
Compulsory Moral Inventory Diagnostic Tool in class/DST.
Week 3
Begin Date: 27 Jul 2026Module/Topic
Values, Culture, and Relativism
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 10.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapter 6 (Section on Relativism).
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Compulsory Case Studies in class/DST.
Week 4
Begin Date: 03 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Ethical Decision Making
Chapter
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapters 5 & 6.
McDonald, G. (2015). Business Ethics: A Contemporary Approach, Cambridge University Press. Chapters 10 & 11.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Compulsory Case Studies in class/DST.
Week 5
Begin Date: 10 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Business, Society, and Stakeholder Approach
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapters 1 & 3.
McDonald, G. (2015). Business Ethics: A Contemporary Approach, Cambridge University Press. Chapters 1 & 3.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Compulsory Case Studies in class/DST.
Week 6
Begin Date: 17 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Corporate Social Responsibility
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 2.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapter 2.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Deadline for assignment 1 submission - Friday at 11:59 pm AEST.
Reflective Practice: Ethical Decision Making (Reflective Practice Assignment 50%) Due: Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Vacation Week
Begin Date: 24 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Week 7
Begin Date: 31 Aug 2026Module/Topic
Developing Ethical Organizations
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 8.
McDonald, G. (2015). Business Ethics: A Contemporary Approach, Cambridge University Press. Chapter 12.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
Week 8
Begin Date: 07 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Sustainability
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 15.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapter 12.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
Half of the workshop time will be allocated to group meetings, during which students will discuss and refine their group presentation and report (Assessment 2), which are due for submission and presentation in Week 11.
Week 9
Begin Date: 14 Sep 2026Module/Topic
The Role of Government and Regulation
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapters 17 & 18.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
DIEP Essay (Assessment 3) – Begin drafting the Essay during class (30 minutes).
Week 10
Begin Date: 21 Sep 2026Module/Topic
International Business Ethics
Chapter
Carroll, A.B., and Brown, J. (2022) Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder Management, Cengage Learning Australia. Chapter 10.
Ferrell, O.C., Fraedrich, J., and Ferrell, L. (2018) Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making & Cases, (12th edition)., Southwest College. Chapter 10.
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
The weekly content is presented in a series of short lecture videos. Please watch these videos in advance of the workshop.
The workshop contains a range of interactive activities, which are aimed at enhancing your competence in business ethics and sustainability.
DIEP Essay (Assignment 3) - Continue writing the Essay (30 minutes in class).
Week 11
Begin Date: 28 Sep 2026Module/Topic
Group Analysis Presentation
Chapter
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Group Presentations 10-12 minutes per group. Presentation slides must be submitted before the scheduled presentation.
Group Report deadline: Week 11, Friday at 11:59 pm AEST.
Group Presentation and Executive Report Due: Week 11 Friday (2 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Week 12
Begin Date: 05 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Unit Review
Chapter
Please refer to the Moodle site for unit notes, additional readings, and journal articles.
Events and Submissions/Topic
Review of key chapters and readings.
DIEP Essay - Finalise the Essay (30 minutes in class). Reviewing, improving and proofreading can be done at home.
Deadline for assignment 3 submission - Friday at 11:59 pm AEST.
Essay - DIEP Model Due: Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Exam Week
Begin Date: 12 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Vacation/Exam Week
Begin Date: 19 Oct 2026Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Reflective Practice Assignment
Type: Reflective Practice: Ethical Decision Making (2,000 +/- 10% words).
During Weeks 2 to 5, a series of case studies and diagnostic tools will be explored during the workshops. Of all the case studies covered, only two will be selected for this assessment.
The task is to analyze the decisions made at the time of the two cases that were discussed during workshops. Students are expected to look at each decision they made and use ethical theory to classify the approach they took, or the justifications used.
The key aspect of reflection is a critical evaluation of yourself. You must use two (2) of the nominated cases (announce will be released in week 2) - by the Unit Coordinator - as the basis for the self-analysis completed in class.
The Workshop Facilitator will verify completion of the in-class activities by signing the completed worksheets. For DST students, completed activities must be submitted via the Zoom chat during the online workshop for verification.
When submitting Assessment 1, students must attach, as appendices, their responses to the two selected case studies as well as the results of the diagnostic tools completed during the workshops. Only case studies and diagnostic tools that have been verified by the Workshop Facilitator will be accepted.
The unit coordinator nominates which cases will be used as part of the assessment and will release the nominated cases in Week 2 - these cases will be the required cases for this assessment. Students are not permitted to self-select cases.
Students are not to re-analyze the cases and come up with new decisions.
A detailed rubric is available on the Moodle site, providing further details for this assessment task.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 1. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS Level 1 states: The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance. You must demonstrate your core skills and knowledge. Basic use of Grammarly - just for basic grammar and spell-checking - is treated as a standard editing tool.
Week 6 Friday (21 Aug 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Assignments are to be submitted via the Moodle site.
Results available via gradebook.
Students are required to:
- Analyse the decisions made in both cases and use the results of the diagnostic tools to reflect on how ethics, morality, law, sustainability, and globalisation relate to one another, and how this understanding has influenced your own assumptions and values. (30%)
- Analyse decisions using ethical theories, applying ethical frameworks and ethical standards within organisations to explain your ethical position, and reflect on why you made your original decision and whether you would choose a different approach based on what you have learned. (50%)
- Present a clear, well-structured reflective essay that meets professional ethical standards in academic communication. (10%)
- Apply APA referencing conventions in both in text citations and the reference list. (10%)
- Examine the interconnections of ethics and sustainability in business and understand how it shapes personal decision-making in business practices and broader societal outcomes
- Reflect upon real-world examples of ethical standards within organisations.
2 Presentation and Written Assessment
Type: Group Presentation and Executive Report
In Assessment 2, students work in groups of up to four (4) to analyse an organisation's corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability strategies, with particular attention to how the organisation engages with external stakeholders and broader societal issues.
Each group will act as a team of consultants (e.g., KPMG, Ernst & Young) hired by the organisation to conduct the analysis and present findings to the CEO and/or Board of Directors (represented by classmates and the lecturer).
The analysis should apply the models, theories, and concepts covered in the unit, including Carroll's and Ho's CSR models and broader sustainability frameworks such as the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Groups are also required to benchmark their chosen organisation against two comparable organisations, identify gaps between current practice and recognised "best practice", and, where appropriate, provide a series of well-supported recommendations.
A detailed rubric is available in the Assessment Folder, providing further details for this assessment task.
This assessment requires students to adhere to the guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence tools as specified in the Artificial Intelligence Assessment Scale (AIAS) Level 1. Any misuse or lack of disclosure regarding the use of AI tools will be considered a breach of academic integrity. AIAS Level 1 states: The assessment is completed entirely without AI assistance. Basic use of Grammarly - just for basic grammar and spell-checking - is treated as a standard editing tool.
Week 11 Friday (2 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Presentations will occur in the scheduled workshop of Week 11. The report must be submitted by one member from each group.
Results available via gradebook
Group Presentation (10%) -> Max. 8 slides
Students are to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter and effective presentation skills by:
- Giving a clear, well-structured presentation with an introduction, main analysis, and conclusion. (4%)
- Using slides/tools and verbal communication effectively within the 12-minute time limit. (3%)
- Presenting professionally, like a consulting firm, and following ethical standards. (3%)
Executive Report (20%)
Students are to demonstrate knowledge of the subject matter and effective written skills by:
- Providing a concise written summary of the presentation (1,000 words ±10%).
- Applying key CSR and sustainability models, concepts, and theories (including the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) - as an analytical framework to explain and assess the organisation's approach to CSR and sustainability. (5%)
- Evaluating the organisation's CSR initiatives, codes of ethics, and anti-bribery strategies, and comparing them with two similar organisations. (5%)
- Giving clear recommendations, supported by literature, to improve ethical behaviour in business and society. (5%)
- Working collaboratively and effectively as a team. (3%)
- Applying APA referencing conventions accurately in both in-text citations and the reference list. (2%)
- Critically analyse how organisations manage ethics through governance mechanisms such as codes of conduct, and anti-corruption strategies
- Evaluate how ethics is managed within organisations by applying tools and concepts such as corporate social responsibility initiatives, codes of ethics and conduct, and anti-bribery strategies to promote ethical behaviour in both business and broader civil society
- Reflect upon real-world examples of ethical standards within organisations.
3 Essay
Type: Reflective Essay - DIEP Model
The reflective essay gives you the chance to think about what you learned in this unit — the content covered, the ideas that stood out to you, and how your understanding has changed. You can focus on the topics that were most interesting or meaningful to you.
Marks awarded for this assignment will be influenced by how carefully, deeply and honestly you have reflected upon your engagement with the subject, and how well the learning outcomes are highlighted.
Use the DIEP Model. Apart from describing, your essay should also demonstrate evidence of an ability to interpret and evaluate insights and learnings from the subject and consider their future applicability. For additional information on this, please check:
https://learninglab.rmit.edu.au/assessments/reflective-writing/how-use-diep/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SntBj0FIApw
Format: The maximum length of the submission is 1,000 (±10% words) (not including the bibliography or essay title). Assignments that exceed the word limit will attract a marking penalty that is 10% of the total mark.
References: You don't need to reference materials covered in this unit. However, any ideas or direct quotes from outside sources must be properly cited using APA style.
No use of AI. Basic use of Grammarly - just for basic grammar and spell-checking - is treated as a standard editing tool.
Week 12 Friday (9 Oct 2026) 11:59 pm AEST
Submit the assessment via Moodle before the due date.
Results available via gradebook.
Students are to demonstrate critical reflection on their learning by:
- Using real-world examples of ethical standards in organisations to support and illustrate personal learning. (6%)
- Applying the DIEP model (Describe, Interpret, Evaluate, Plan) to structure the reflection, moving beyond description to show interpretation, critical evaluation, and future application of learning. (7%)
- Reflecting honestly and with self-awareness on how your understanding of ethics and sustainability has changed throughout the unit. (4%)
- Writing clearly and concisely within the word limit, using APA referencing where outside sources are cited. (3%)
- Examine the interconnections of ethics and sustainability in business and understand how it shapes personal decision-making in business practices and broader societal outcomes
- Critically analyse how organisations manage ethics through governance mechanisms such as codes of conduct, and anti-corruption strategies
- Evaluate how ethics is managed within organisations by applying tools and concepts such as corporate social responsibility initiatives, codes of ethics and conduct, and anti-bribery strategies to promote ethical behaviour in both business and broader civil society
- Reflect upon real-world examples of ethical standards within organisations.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
