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Module Introduction

Business Ethics & Social Responsibility

Business ethics and social responsibility have become increasingly important topics of discussion and action in Canada, as companies seek to balance their pursuit of profits with their impact on society and the environment. Canadian businesses are facing pressure from stakeholders, including customers, investors, employees, and the general public, to act in a socially responsible and ethical manner. Business ethics refers to the moral principles and values that guide decision-making and behavior in the business world. At the same time, social responsibility relates to a company’s obligations to society and the environment.

In Canada, there is a growing awareness of the need for businesses to be socially responsible and ethical, with many companies adopting sustainable and ethical practices. Understanding and adhering to ethical and social responsibility principles can help Canadian businesses build strong reputations and gain the trust of their stakeholders, while also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

In this Module, we will analyze business ethics and social responsibility’s role in workplaces.


Learning Objectives

Compare and contrast personal ethics and business ethics

Identify the legal and ethical frameworks that guide business behaviour

Discuss the impact of business decisions on stakeholders

Examine some of the ethical issues that may arise in business

Evaluate the role of corporate social responsibility in business

 

License

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Introduction to Business, SAIT Edition Copyright © 2025 by Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.