ETH 501 Module 2 Case

Assignment Overview

In the Module 2 Case, you will be applying virtue ethics to the Enron case.

Required Reading

Part 1: Critical Thinking

Before you begin to write up your Case, let’s consider what is meant by “critical thinking.” Critical thinking is one of the five key rubric criteria by which your assignments are graded. Therefore, it is required that you demonstrate evidence of critical thinking in all assignments. For an overview of critical thinking, read the following very carefully:

Kurland, D. (2000). What is critical thinking? Critical Reading. Retrieved fromhttp://www.criticalreading.com/critical_thinking.htm

Next, review the Critical Thinking Skills chart at the following site. This is an excellent visual synopsis of the various components of critical thinking. Note the questions that are associated with each element of critical thinking:

A must have chart featuring critical thinking skills. (2014). Educational Technology and Mobile Learning. Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/05/a-must-have-chart-featuring-critical.html

Part 2: Virtue Ethics

Visit the library, and locate the following article:

Madsen, S., & Vance, C. (2009). Unlearned lessons from the past: An insider's view of Enron's downfall. Corporate Governance, 9(2), 216-227. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Optional Reading

The following additional readings may also be helpful to you as you consider the Case:

Chandra, G. (2003). The Enron implosion and its lessons. Journal of Management Research, 3(2), 98-111. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Free, C., Macintosh, N., & Stein, M. (2007). Management controls: The organizational fraud triangle of leadership, culture and control in Enron. Ivey Business Journal Online. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Sims, R. R., & Brinkmann, J. (2003). Enron ethics (or: culture matters more than codes). Journal of Business Ethics, 45(3), 243-256. Retrieved from ProQuest.

Case Assignment

In a well-written 4- to 5-page paper, discuss how three virtues apply to the Enron case.

Keys to the Assignment

1. Choose three virtues (e.g., justice, fairness, integrity, courage, honor, truthfulness, etc.), and define each using a reputable online dictionary, e.g., http://www.merriam-webster.com/
2. Using a section heading for discussion of each of your chosen virtues, discuss how each virtue applies to some ethical issue raised by the Enron case. For example, you might choose “integrity,” in which event you will define what is meant by integrity, followed by a discussion of how the lack of integrity on the part of Enron’s leadership contributed to the company’s accounting fraud. Or you might choose “fairness,” and discuss how the company’s fraudulent activities adversely impacted one or more of its stakeholder groups, e.g., its employees, stockholders/investors, customers.
3. Be sure to use at least two sources from the library to support your discussion and analysis (choose sources that are not included in the Background section of Module 2).
4. Follow The Student Guide to Writing a High Quality Academic Paper guide.
5. Don’t forget to properly cite your sources – both in-text and as end references!
6. You are expected to demonstrate evidence of critical thinking – as defined in the background materials of Module 2 and the grading rubric.