The Purpose of Business
UndergraduateGRF-GBS1042026
Start your business studies with a foundation of integrity and ethics. You’ll explore examples of sustainable businesses that are both purpose-driven and profitable. Learn how to run a successful business and contribute to society.
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 25 Oct 2026
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 2 Mar 2026,
- 2 Nov 2026
- Price from
- $2,226
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
The Purpose of Business
About this subject
You'll develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain how values, ethics and purpose influence business decisions.
- Understand the role of responsible leadership in contemporary organisations.
- Analyse the impact of integrity, trust and respect on professional practice and business outcomes.
- Evaluate how businesses respond to sustainability, transparency and governance challenges.
- Apply the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework to contemporary business issues.
- Reflect on the responsibilities of professionals and the importance of professional standards.
Assurance of Learning
This course evaluates student performance for Assurance of Learning purposes for the program learning objective (PLO): Critically analyse local and global business issues to apply inclusive, socially responsible and sustainable practices.
- The purpose of business
- Responsible leadership
- Business ethics and integrity
- Trust, respect and professional conduct
- Sustainable enterprise
- Sustainability, transparency and governance
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Business responses to social and environmental challenges
- Real-world business case studies
- Organisational culture
- Leading a purpose-driven business
- Brand, Reputation and Purpose
- Engaging with First Peoples
- Professional responsibilities
- Professional standards and practice
What role should business play in creating a better future? This subject explores the evolving purpose of business and the responsibility organisations have to customers, employees, communities and the environment.
You'll examine key concepts including responsible leadership, ethical decision-making, integrity, trust and sustainable enterprise. Through case studies and contemporary business examples, you'll explore how values influence organisational behaviour, decision-making and long-term success.
This subject also investigates how businesses are responding to growing expectations around sustainability, transparency and good governance. Using the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a guiding framework, you'll consider how organisations can contribute to solutions for social, environmental and economic challenges while creating sustainable value.
Drawing on Griffith Business School's focus on responsible leadership and business for purpose, you'll develop a broader understanding of the role business plays in society and the professional standards expected of today's business leaders.
Note: You should not enrol in this subject if you have previously completed 1004GBS The Purpose of Business at Griffith University.
- Business Overview Brief (20%)
- Business Purpose and Analysis Report (35%)
- Video Presentation (45%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia.
Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.
Learn more about Griffith University
Explore Griffith University courses
- QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 18
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:
- 20
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
GRF-IBA111 (Not currently available)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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Gain Uni credit
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What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateGRF-BUS-DEG
Bachelor of Applied Financial Advice
UndergraduateGRF-AFA-DEG
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