Exercise: It's important to talk about Ethics because...

Ethics discussion keywords

Goal: To explore the meaning of ethics within and between organisations.
Preparatory reading (optional): 

• Carr, Albert (1968). Is business bluffing ethical? Harvard Business Review, Jan.8Feb, 143, 155. 
• Kavanagh, Donncha (2011) 'Work and play in management studies: A Kleinian analysis'. Ephemera: Theory & Politics in Organization, 11 (4), 336–356

Exercise workshop/debrief

Steps:

1. Write the following keywords on the board. This can be done in advance or as an 'icebreaker' with the class. For instance, ask the class why we have included the concept of 'GAME'.
• Ethics
• Responsibility
• Moral
• Ethos
• Play
• Regulation
• Rules
• Safe
• Values
• Winners
• What matters?
• Game
• Sustainable
• Interests
• Self-interests
• Power
• Barriers
• Welfare
• "it's important to talk about ethics because..."
2. After this ask groups to discuss further and to create their own response to the opening sentence "It's important to talk about Ethics because..."
3. Visit each table to ensure the discussions commence, encourage and highlight. Allow 5' to 10' for this phase.
4. Give a 2' warning that each group must debrief to the rest of the class. Groups may present one or two different positions, possibly contrasting.
5. Groups state to the rest of the class their interpretation and reasoning. Allow wider discussion. The lecturer can interject and 'characterise'. The tone will shift between serious and playful.

Notes:
After the discussion ask groups or individuals if they are willing to be photographed for the "Let's talk about ethics" initiative. Volunteers will need to sign the 'Photography Release Form'.

Indeed some of this year's class did elect to take part in the "Let's talk about ethics" initiative at UCD launched by President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins (link). Slideshow below.