Subject details

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Critically analyse and explain a number of moral frameworks and concepts relevant to ethical leadership in socially responsible organisations; 
  2. Examine the theoretical, conceptual, and ethical issues when dealing with people, organisational resources and stakeholders; 
  3. Evaluate leadership styles, strategies and practices in light of ethical and moral frameworks;
  4. Critically analyse and explain the complexity of balancing solutions when dealing with ethical dilemmas in the workplace taking both local and international perspectives into account; 
  5. Formulate institutional strategies to foster the development of a socially responsible corporate culture
    • Overview: Introducing Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility
    • The Nature and Importance of Ethical Leadership
    • Motives and Traits of Leaders
    • Leadership: Context and Situational Perspectives
    • Charismatic and Transformational Leaders
    • Ethical Principles and Frameworks
    • Psychology of Responsible and Ethical Leadership
    • Leading Ethical Organisations: Culture and Practice of Common Good
    • Leading Ethical Organisations: Contemporary Workplace Challenges
    • Leading Ethical Organisations: Environment and Justice
    • Sustaining Ethics and Social Responsibility in Systems
    • Ethical Leaders reconcile Global and Diversity Responsibilities

  • Study resources

    • Instructional methods

      • Discussion forum/Discussion Board
      • Online Quizzes/Tests
      • Online assignment submission

    • Online materials

      • Online Assessment
      • Printable format materials
      • Resources and Links

In order to enrol in this subject, you must be accepted into one of the following degrees:

Core
  • ACU-MBA-MAS-2019

Special requirements

No special requirements

This subject reflects on the nature of ethical leadership and socially responsible organisations. Ethical and moral frameworks that guide ethical decision-making in the corporate sphere will be critically examined. Further explored will be what this means for the organisational processes and work practices of institutions. Consideration will be given to the leadership qualities of moral character and personal values in fostering cooperation, trust and loyalty within an organisation. The impact of globalisation, constant change, technological advances, sustainability and the importance of values in society all contribute to the changing definition of an organisation's 'bottom line'. Increasingly, effective leaders and organisations understand that ethics are an integral component of sound business and organisational functioning. The role of leadership, at its various levels in organisations, in creating a socially responsible corporate culture will be explored. The aim of this subject is, in keeping with the ACU mission statement, to contribute to the development of ethical leaders with a commitment to the common good.

Assessments are used primarily to foster learning. ACU adopts constructivist approach to learning, which requires alignment of learning outcomes, teaching, learning and assessment and the environment in which learning occurs. Assessment is an integral part of the learning process. Assessment tasks in this unit are aimed at measuring and developing student’s achievement of both the learning outcomes and graduate attributes noted above.

  • Individual written learning journal (30%)
  • Presentation (20%)
  • Online exam (50%)

Textbook information is pending.

Related degrees

postgraduate ACU-MBA-MAS-2019

Master of Business Administration