Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/unethical-decision-making
In today’s complex business world, understanding the nuances of ethical decision-making is not just beneficial, it’s essential. The Coursera course, ‘Unethical Decision Making in Organizations: A Seminar on the Dark Side of the Force,’ offers a deep dive into the often-overlooked factors that can lead good people down unethical paths. This course is a revelation, peeling back the layers of organizational psychology and context to expose how even well-intentioned individuals can be swayed.
From the very first week, the course tackles profound questions about human nature and the historical understanding of ‘evil.’ It doesn’t shy away from philosophical frameworks, introducing tools from thinkers like Immanuel Kant to help navigate ethical dilemmas. This foundational knowledge is crucial for grasping the complexities that follow.
Subsequent weeks delve into the power of organizational context, vividly illustrated through case studies like the infamous Ford Pinto scandal. The course introduces a compelling model of ‘ethical blindness,’ which serves as the central thesis, explaining how situational factors can obscure ethical judgment. The concept of ‘framing’ is explored in detail, showing how language and perception, as seen in the Enron and Lehman Brothers cases, can shape reality and lead to disastrous decisions.
The course also highlights the subtle yet powerful influence of routines and heuristics, which can simplify decision-making but also foster ethical blind spots. The impact of strong situations and the pervasive influence of social psychology are examined through classic experiments, demonstrating how the presence and behavior of others can significantly alter our own choices.
Finally, the course broadens its scope to the institutional context, discussing how ideologies and the passage of time can shape ethical landscapes. The concluding week is particularly valuable, shifting from diagnosis to prescription. It offers practical defense strategies for individuals and leaders to combat ethical blindness within themselves and their organizations.
Overall, ‘Unethical Decision Making in Organizations’ is an exceptionally insightful and practical course. It provides a critical understanding of why unethical behavior occurs and, more importantly, equips learners with the knowledge to prevent it. I highly recommend this course to anyone in a leadership position, aspiring managers, or anyone interested in the ethical underpinnings of organizational behavior.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/unethical-decision-making