Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/unethical-decision-making
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the line between ethical and unethical decision-making can often blur, leading to dire consequences for individuals and organizations alike. The Coursera course ‘Unethical Decision Making in Organizations: A Seminar on the Dark Side of the Force’ dives deep into this critical topic, offering valuable insights into why good people sometimes make unethical choices and how to safeguard against these pitfalls.
### Course Overview
This course is structured into seven comprehensive weeks, each focusing on different aspects of unethical decision-making. From understanding the historical context of evil to exploring real-world corporate scandals, the curriculum is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate ethical dilemmas.
### Week-by-Week Breakdown
– **Week 1: Ethical and Unethical Decision Making**
The course kicks off with a thought-provoking exploration of what constitutes evil and the philosophical underpinnings of ethical decision-making. By examining the works of philosophers like Immanuel Kant, learners gain a foundational understanding of ethical frameworks that can guide their decisions.
– **Week 2: Introduction to Unethical Decisions in Organizations**
This week uses the Ford Pinto case to illustrate how organizational contexts can lead to unethical choices. The concept of ethical blindness is introduced, setting the stage for deeper discussions in subsequent weeks.
– **Week 3: The Power of Frames**
Here, the course delves into how the framing of situations can influence decision-making, using the Enron scandal as a case study. The link between language and decision-making is also explored, highlighting how communication shapes our perceptions.
– **Week 4: The Power of Routines**
Routines and heuristics are examined as tools that can simplify decision-making but also lead to ethical blindness. A case study in a military context illustrates the risks associated with rigid routines.
– **Week 5: The Power of Strong Situations**
This week focuses on the immediate environment of decision-makers, emphasizing the influence of social psychology on behavior. Classic experiments in social psychology provide a backdrop for understanding these dynamics.
– **Week 6: The Power of Institutions**
The course shifts to the institutional context, discussing how ideology and time impact decision-making processes. This week emphasizes the broader societal influences that can lead to ethical lapses.
– **Week 7: The Wind of Change**
Finally, the course concludes with strategies to combat ethical blindness. Participants learn how to implement defense mechanisms against unethical decision-making, both as individuals and leaders within organizations.
### Recommendation
I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in ethics, leadership, or organizational behavior. The insights gained from this course are not only applicable in professional settings but also in personal decision-making. Understanding the forces that drive unethical behavior can empower individuals to make more informed choices and foster a culture of integrity within their organizations.
Whether you’re a business leader, an aspiring manager, or simply someone interested in the ethical dimensions of decision-making, this course offers a wealth of knowledge that can help you navigate the complexities of human behavior in organizational contexts. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a more ethical decision-maker!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/unethical-decision-making