Ethics, Business and Work
UndergraduateMAQ-PHIX20102025
Previously MAQ-PHIX201
Break down the ethical considerations that can stem from business activities. Firm up your view on a business' social responsibilities. Unpack codes of conduct and whistleblowing. Question the ability of corporations to influence government policies.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Enrol by
- 7 Dec 2025
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 24 Feb 2025,
- 15 Dec 2025
- Price from
- $2,160
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Ethics, Business and Work
About this subject
At the completion on this subject students will be able to:
- Demonstrate good general knowledge of the major issues in contemporary business and professional ethics
- Understand the major ethical concepts and theories that inform the business and professional ethics literature
- Analyse and critically evaluate theories and arguments in the relevant literature
- Relate ethical concepts and theories to relevant case studies and current events
- Develop their own perspective, through analysis of the views and arguments presented in the unit
- Demonstrate improved skills in clarity of thought and communication.
- A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials
This subject was previously known as PHI230, PHIX201 Business and Professional Ethics.
Please note: This subject is available in Macquarie Session 3, which is an intensive semester that spans only 5 intensive teaching weeks, plus a mid-semester recess and an assessment period. Students are advised to enrol in only one or two subjects in Session 3. Students who would prefer to take the unit over 13 teaching weeks should enrol in the Session 1 offering.
This unit investigates some of main ethical issues that arise in professional life and from the activities of businesses and corporations. The unit explores the nature and value of work as well as its role in personal identity and social organisation. We also consider the obligations and responsibilities that come with professional work and the management of businesses. We examine the nature of corporations and their responsibilities to individual workers and consumers, stakeholders, groups such as women and minorities, and the environment.
- Test (40%)
- Reflective Portfolio (20%)
- Case Study/analysis (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
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- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-PHIX1031-The Philosophy of Human Nature
- MAQ-PHIX1032-Happiness, Goodness and Justice
- MAQ-PHIX1037-Critical Thinking
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:
MAQ-PHI230 (Not currently available)
MAQ-PHIX201 (Not currently available)
Others
NCCW (pre-2020 units) PHI230, PHIL201, PHIL264, PHIL364, PHL264, PHL364, PHIX201
Pre-requisite 40cp at 1000 level or above
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Students who have an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion under Macquarie University's Academic Progression Policy are not permitted to enrol in OUA units offered by Macquarie University. Students with an Academic Standing of Suspension or Exclusion who have enrolled in units through OUA will be withdrawn.
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.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateMAQ-ART-DEG
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