This Unit Standard is intended for learners in a business environment. It is designed to raise moral standards as a counter to potential or real corruption within a business environment. The focus is on ethics and the learner, and does not include corporate governance.

The qualifying learner is capable of explaining the concept of ethics in relation to property and personal rights, providing an understanding of how ethical considerations impact the respect and protection of these rights. They can describe the role of a code of conduct within a business environment, detailing how such a code sets out expected behaviours and standards for employees. Additionally, the learner is skilled in applying different ethical principles to specific contexts, evaluating situations and making decisions that align with these principles. They are also proficient in making decisions based on a corporate code of ethics, ensuring that their choices reflect the values and standards outlined by the organisation.

Course Content

  • The role of the South African Constitution in defining the source of ethics for South African society in relation to property and personality rights is explained in context of the business environment
  • The relationship between ethics and the law is described for a specific business sector.
  • The relationship between ethics and generally accepted codes of conduct is explained for a specific business sector.
  • The concept of a code of conduct is explained with reference to the role of a code in a business environment.
  • The current generally accepted code of business ethics is analysed and an indication is given of how it should be applied in a business environment.
  • A code of conduct of a business is evaluated against the generally accepted code and checked for alignment.
  • The codes of conduct of two different business sectors are compared and an explanation is given for apparent differences.
  • The code of conduct of a professional organisation in a sector is compared to that of a business in the sector and an indication is given of any apparent differences.
  • The ethical principles in the generally accepted code are applied to different studies that illustrate different principles.
  • The process to be followed when the code of ethics is breached is explained for different examples.
  • An ethical business decision is made and supported for different scenarios.
  • Potential conflict between a personal value system and a specific corporate code of ethics is identified and suggestions are made for potential resolution.
  • The consequences of non-compliance with a code are debated with reference to current ethical incidents.
  • Conflicts of interest that arise out of different interpretations or applications of a code of ethics are identified and suggestions are made on how the situations could be resolved in the best interests of all stakeholders.
  • Non-accredited: Short course only  
  • Duration: 1h 30m
  • Delivery: Classroom/Online/Blended
  • Access Period: 12 Months 
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