Corporate Governance and Business Ethics

Corporate Governance & Ethics focuses on the principles and practices that guide the management and control of organisations, ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness in their operations. It involves understanding the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors, executives, and stakeholders in fostering ethical decision-making and promoting a culture of integrity. The course emphasises the importance of ethical behaviour in maintaining public trust and achieving long-term sustainability, addressing issues such as corporate social responsibility, regulatory compliance, and ethical dilemmas in business.

Building on these foundations, the module further addresses emerging ethical issues in business, fostering an understanding of the ethical dilemmas associated with corporate social responsibility and corporate governance. Learners will also develop the ability to appraise these ethical issues and propose practical solutions using established assessment tools, thereby preparing them to navigate and resolve complex ethical challenges in the business environment. This comprehensive approach ensures that learners are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of corporate governance and ethics in a dynamic global market.

Introduction to Corporations and Governance

Personal and Business Ethics

• Theories of Ethics
• Ethics and the individual
• Ethics and Leadership
• Ethics in the workplace
• Ethical reporting systems; Internal/External Reporting
• Whistleblowing, Public Interest Disclosure and Data Protection issues
• Commercial benefits of ethical conduct

Corporate Governance Development

• Separate legal entity – the company as a legal person
• Corporate reporting and codes of practice
• Insider v outsider corporate governance systems
• Principle based VS rules-based systems
• Internal control and risk assessment

Corporate Governance Context

• Defining corporate governance
• Effective governance practices
• Irish corporate governance system
• Corporate control
• Role of institutional investors

Corporate Governance Key actors

• Board of Directors and Role of the Chairperson
• Non-Executive directors
• Structure and board composition
• Remuneration practices
• Stakeholder accountability
• Risk Management and Auditing
• The Role of AI in Corporate Governance

Conclusion – The Role of Ethics on Corporate Governance

• Corporate Social Responsibility, pillars of CSR, sustainability
• Corporate Criminal Liability and Accountability, directing mind and will, corporate manslaughter