Designing and Introducing Ethical Dilemmas into Computer-Based Business Simulations

Abstract

This article makes two contributions to the teaching of business ethics literature. First, it describes the steps involved in developing effective ethical dilemmas to incorporate into a computer-based business simulation. Second, it illustrates these steps by presenting two ethical dilemmas that an instructor can incorporate into any business simulation. Instructors who use business simulations in their courses can use the sample dilemmas as presented or modify them as desired or necessary to fit their course design and objectives. Instructors can also use the steps described to develop their own ethical dilemmas.

The Impact of Situational Influences on Corruption in Organizations

“…The corrupt offers were not explicitly labeled as corrupt but as offers by a large customer. This allowed the researcher to avoid signaling the participants that these offers involved corruption (see Schumann et al, 2006). The participants' aim was to achieve a profit as high as possible after the expiration of the four periods.…”

“…Therefore, I decided on an experimental simulation design that includes a business game. Through the simulation of management situations, the business game creates a realistic field (Kriz, 2005) that allows one to examine the decision making process in ethical dilemmas involving corruption (Schumann et al, 2006). Moreover, it offers the possibility to examine the effect of certain situational influences under controlled conditions, therefore contributing to internal validity (Kriz, 2005).…”

The relationship between business simulations in capstone management courses and standardized test scores

“…To help students benefit from simulations effectively, many guidelines have been developed (Schumann, Scott, & Anderson, 2006;Wenzler, 2009). Knott and Keys (1997) suggested integrating cases and simulations together, using learning diaries, and having increased faculty involvement.…”

Using Competencies to Improve Dental Practice Management Education

“…In other words, they describe teaching methods well, but do not report learning outcomes. Using simulations in the management curriculum has been described, 17 including financial, 18 , 19 ethical, 20 and roleplay 21 types of simulation exercises. Computerized business simulations have been studied concerning their learning outcomes 17 , 22 .…”