Understanding Business Ethics

"Looking for a deeply reflected and applicable textbook for in-class use in business ethics? Here it is. The best textbook I’ve ever found is the Stanwicks’ masterpiece. Your students will love it."

―Volker Brecht, Southern University at New Orleans

Filled with real-world case studies and examples of ethical dilemmas, Understanding Business Ethics, Third Edition prepares students and managers alike to make ethical decisions in today’s complex, global environment. Bestselling authors Peter A. Stanwick and Sarah D. Stanwick explain the fundamental importance of ethical leadership, decision making, and strategic planning while examining emerging trends in business ethics such as the developing world, human rights, environmental sustainability, and technology. In addition to presenting information related to the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the text’s 26 real-world cases profile a variety of industries, countries, and ethical issues in a way that is relevant and meaningful to students’ lives.

The Third Edition features new cases from well-known companies such as Disney and General Motors, new coverage of emerging topics such as big data and social media, expanded coverage of corporate social responsibility, and more. Using an applied approach, this text helps students understand why and how business ethics really do matter!

Peter A. Stanwick is an associate professor emeritus in the Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University. His research has been published in various journals, including The Journal of Business Ethics, Management Decision, The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, The Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, Business Strategy and the Environment, Eco-Management and Auditing, American Business Review, International Journal of Commerce and Management, Southern Business Review, International Journal of Management, Journal of Business Strategies, Journal of Organizational Change Management, Journal of Business and Economic Perspectives, Journal of Hospital Marketing, and The International Journal of Organizational Analysis. In addition, Dr. Stanwick served as a reviewer for the Journal of Business Ethics. He was invited to present papers in 2004 and 2011 at Oxford University. Dr. Stanwick has received two grants from the Daniel F. Breeden Endowments for Faculty Enhancement and a Pursell Ethics Grant. In 1995, Dr. Stanwick received the Graduate Faculty Member Award for Excellence by the Association of Graduate Business Students at Auburn University. Dr. Stanwick taught strategic management at the undergraduate and graduate level, international management at the undergraduate level, and business ethics at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition, Dr. Stanwick was the College of Business Advisor for Sigma Iota Epsilon (The National Honorary and Professional Management Fraternity) and the Committee of 19, which addresses the social problems of hunger.

Sarah D. Stanwick is associate professor emerita in the School of Accountancy at Auburn University. Her research has been published in various journals, including The Journal of Business Ethics, Advances in Accounting, The Accounting Educators’ Journal, The Journal of Corporate Accounting and Finance, The CPA Journal, The Journal of Corporate Citizenship, Business Strategy and the Environment, Eco-Management and Auditing, and the International Journal of Commerce and Management. While at Auburn University, she has received two Daniel F. Breeden Endowments for Faculty Enhancement and a Pursell Ethics Grant. In addition, she received a grant from the World Resources Institute to write an instructional case on the pulp and paper industry in Alabama. She has taught financial and managerial/cost accounting at the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has also taught accounting ethics at the graduate level. Her research interests include the areas of environmental accounting, ethical issues for managers and accountants, and social responsibility issues. She has served as the College Diversity Officer, the advisor for the Auburn University chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma (the international honor society for achievement in the study of business) and the advisor for the Auburn University Women in Business Organization. During her tenure at Auburn, she has directed a successful community outreach program on financial literacy, Tiger$ense. She is a retired certified public accountant. Together, Sarah and Peter have two adult children, Olivia and John, and one faithful miniature dachshund, Belle.