The course examines the common perceptions of business (both positive and negative) and the role of business in a market economy by first introducing the main elements of a market economy, and then presenting opposing points of view of this economic model.The course encourages reflection upon the possibility that business can be honorable and play a role in a just and humane society.
Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society
Why Business? What is the Role of Business in a Just and Humane Society
This course is part of Ethical Leadership Specialization
Instructor: James Otteson
2,469 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(18 reviews)
Beginner level
Recommended experience
22 hours to complete
3 weeks at 7 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Identify the main elements of a market economy Explain how a market economy is supposed to work
Evaluate the strongest arguments for supporting a market economy Evaluate the objections to the role of business in a market economy
Reflect on the role of business in a just and humane society Create a personal vision statement for an honorable professional life
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
20 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Ethical Leadership Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
Many people are suspicious of business. Should they be? Can business be honorable? Is business required to “give back” to society? These are some of the questions you’ll consider during this first week of the course. I will introduce you to common perceptions of business (negative and positive) and encourage you to reflect upon the possibility that business can be honorable and play a role in a just and humane society.
What's included
7 videos22 readings6 assignments
Can everything be priced in a market? Where do prices come from, and what do they do? In this second week of the course, you will examine what prices do, learn about what they are for, and consider whether or not markets can price everything.
What's included
5 videos17 readings4 assignments1 peer review
What are the most important worries about or objections to market economies? Can markets be moral? In week 3, you will consider the social responsibilities of business. You will also consider criticisms of markets and arguments for government intervention in the economy.
What's included
5 videos16 readings5 assignments1 peer review
Can one be fully moral and at the same time engage in business in a market economy? Can one express one’s moral values and live a virtuous life in business? In Week 4, you will come full circle to address the essential question of the course: Why business? This week, you’ll reflect on the role of business in a just and humane society. You will also consider the role of business from your own perspective, and you will have a chance to examine (question) your own moral obligations as a person engaged in or with business.
What's included
6 videos17 readings5 assignments1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
5.0 (8 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Leadership and Management
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Open University
Fundação Instituto de Administração
Illinois Tech
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
18 reviews
- 5 stars
83.33%
- 4 stars
16.66%
- 3 stars
0%
- 2 stars
0%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 18
DK
5
Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024
Re-learned many things I forgot from my undergraduate years. Looking forward to taking the remaining courses!
JM
5
Reviewed on Aug 16, 2023
Fantastic instructor and valuable content. This course was my first Coursera experience and left a great first impression on me!
LJ
4
Reviewed on May 23, 2024
I absolutely love this course! Everything was engaging and well laid out. The only issue is you have to wait for peer review which holds you back from getting a certificate.
New to Leadership and Management? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.