OGL 345 Organizational Ethics Course Reflection

Course Reflection

OGL 345 Organizational Ethics

Rachael E. Lohnes

Arizona State University

Author Note

Rachael E. Lohnes is a student at Arizona State University studying Organizational

Leadership.

Contact: rlohnes@asu.edu
OGL 345 ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS COURSE REFLECTION 2

Course Reflection

Introduction

Over the past seven weeks I have gained more knowledge on the topic of Ethics

Theory that I could have ever expected. Mick Fryer’s book Ethics Theory & Business

Practice, the Perusall discussion platform, and Planet Jockey’s Moral Minefield Simulation.

This paper will include a reflection of these learning tools, a reflection on changes I

experienced in my personal leadership style, and how I will continue to use my newfound

knowledge of Ethics theory in my future to continue my personal development.

Mick Fryer’s Ethics Theory & Business Practice

Mick Fryer’s book Ethics Theory & Business Practice is comprised of ten chapters

covering the topics of rights theory, utilitarianism, Kantian theory, social contract theory,

virtual theory, ethical relativism, discourse ethics, feminine ethics, environmental ethics,

and finally the responsibilities of business executives. This textbook was enjoyable to read.

Fryer’s Ethics Theory & Business Practice offers comprehensive explanations on the

concepts offered in each chapter. As someone who had very little prior knowledge on

ethics theory, this book was extremely enjoyable to read. The chapter I enjoyed reading

the most was Chapter 9: Environmental Ethics. I am very passionate about the

environment. I enjoyed learning more about contrasting views of valuing the natural

world, wildlife preservation, and environmental sustainability.

Perusall

Perusall is hands down my favorite learning platform. I am usually exited to take

any course that uses Perusall. I enjoy when Professors use Perusall instead of a discussion

board. I feel that Perusall is more beneficial to learning than a discussion board because
OGL 345 ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS COURSE REFLECTION 3

you are not just responding to a few prompts, you are responding to anything that is

mentioned throughout the textbook. I also like that one of the requirements for Perusall in

this course was to ask questions. This is great because it allows students to find

clarification exactly where they need it. Along with making annotations and engage in

discussions with other students, I believe Perusall is better than the average discussion

board. Perusall offers students the ability to have higher quality and quantity of

discussions with a wider variety of students. By allowing students to comment on anything

throughout the textbook it allows for a deeper understanding of what the textbook is

discussing.

Planet Jockey Moral Minefield Simulation

Similarly to Perusall, I enjoy any course that offers a Planet Jockey Moral Minefield

Simulation. These simulations are great for many reasons. First, they challenge your

knowledge and decision making skills. This specific simulation puts the player in the role

of an executive at pharmaceutical company Pharma Karma. I currently work in a

management role at Starbucks. This simulation was entertaining to me because it gave me

the opportunity to test the knowledge I had gained in this course while also experiencing

decision making in a role that is different from anything I have experienced as well as

outside of my comfort zone. The other benefit of the simulation is that there is an

explanation after you answer each question. Whether you get the question right or wrong

you can gain a better understanding of the thought process behind the correct decisions.

Overall I could not say one bad thing about Planet Jockey’s Moral Minefield Simulation.
OGL 345 ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS COURSE REFLECTION 4

Case Study Research

Another benefit of Mick Fryer’s book Ethics Theory & Business Practice is the case

studies that are included in each chapter. This allows for a deeper understanding of the

topics we learn throughout the course. The case study that stuck out to me the most was

the Deepwater Horizon case that was discussed in Chapter 7: Discourse Ethics. The

Deepwater Horizon case reflects on the BP oil spill that occurred in the Gulf of Mexico in

2010 (Fryer, 2015, p. 258). This case study was informational to read because it applies

discourse ethics to the Deepwater Horizon case and teaches the reader how discourse

ethics applies to BP and the stakeholders.

Personal Leadership Style Changes & Future use of Ethics Theory

This course helped change my leadership style for the better in a few ways. The

biggest concept that sticks out in my mind is intent. Before this course I did not always

notice the intentions that are behind decisions. Being in a leadership role, I started to

notice that some of the leaders around me make decisions that are backed with ill

intentions. When you are surrounded by that pattern of actions it is easy to fall into that in

line and act that same way. This course helped me to consider my intentions before

making decision. By making sure to have good intentions backing up your decisions I

believe it makes you a more trustworthy leader. This course offered up a whole new set of

knowledge that I can incorporate into my leadership style. Going forward, I know I will

think back on the concepts I learned in this course as continue my leadership journey.

Conclusion

Overall it is safe to say that this course on Organizational Ethics has helped me to

grow as a leader. I have gained a greater understanding on how organizations and the
OGL 345 ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS COURSE REFLECTION 5

individuals that are within them develop and sustain values and ethics. Mick Fryer’s book

Ethics Theory & Business Practice, the Perusall discussion platform, and Planet Jockey’s

Moral Minefield Simulation were excellent tools in guiding me through this course. I truly

believe this course has enhanced my leadership style and I know that I will continue to use

my newfound knowledge of Ethics theory to continue my personal development.

OGL 345 ORGANIZATIONAL ETHICS COURSE REFLECTION 6

References

Fryer, M. (2015). Ethics theory & business practice. Retrieved from

https://app.perusall.com/courses/ogl-345-organization-ethics-spring-2020-

session-b/ethics-theory-and-business-practice?

assignmentId=BNjWtnxz6qeHpoee2&part=1