Thinking Critically About Business Ethics

Abstract

In this study, we teach students and business professionals to apply a formal process of critical thinking to the issues of business ethics.  Every new scandal generates a renewed interest in busin-ess ethics, leading the news media and the public to lament the current state of affairs, sometimes asking why colleges and schools of business don’t do a better job of teaching ethics. Many suggest that business owners and managers do not act as ethically as in the past.  Some say that they can-not act ethically.  The critical thinking skills and examples included in this study can serve to help students of business and professionals in business as they approach difficult ethical decisions.