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Program Finder
Continuing Education
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Human Resource Ethics

Build the knowledge and decision-making skills needed to lead with integrity and shape an ethical workplace culture.

Human Resource Ethics
Program Finder
Continuing & Professional Education
Human Resource Ethics
Human Resource Ethics
Register Now

Classes Start Available Anytime

Course Overview

Foundations of Ethical Practice in Human Resources equips HR professionals with the knowledge and tools to navigate complex ethical challenges and foster a culture of integrity within their organizations. As stewards of policies, people, and organizational values, HR leaders play a critical role in ensuring decisions are fair, responsible, and aligned with both business goals and societal expectations.

This comprehensive, self-paced program explores the intersection of ethics and human resources through a series of focused courses. Participants examine both the theoretical foundations of ethics and the practical application of ethical decision-making in real-world organizational contexts. Topics include ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility, globalization, workplace challenges, and the broader social and economic forces shaping business ethics today.

Learners are introduced to key ethical frameworks—including utilitarianism, ethical relativism, egoism, and Kantian ethics—and explore how these perspectives influence business decisions. The program also examines questions such as:

  • Should organizations prioritize rules or outcomes?
  • What role does self-interest play in ethical decision-making?
  • How do global and cultural differences impact ethical standards?

Through interactive exercises, case studies, videos, and assessments, participants develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate ethical dilemmas and make informed, principled decisions.


By the end of the program, learners will be prepared to actively contribute to building and sustaining an ethical workplace culture.

Course Format

This 15-hour self-paced course offers a dynamic and engaging learning experience, combining interactive elements such as games, flashcards, video content, real-world case studies, and curated readings. Participants have the flexibility to progress at their own pace, while interactive games and quizzes reinforce key concepts and track progress. Participants have 90 days of access per course, with progress tracked through interactive elements.  Flashcards, expert-led videos, real-world case studies, and carefully curated readings deepen knowledge.

This course is part of the Human Resource Ethics program.

Price

$1125

Course Details

Units 1.5 CEUs / 15 PDUs

Location Online Courses

Course Type Self-Paced

Next Available Course

Classes Start Available Anytime

Register Now

What You’ll Learn

After successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Define key principles and frameworks of business ethics

  • Analyze ethical dilemmas using structured decision-making models

  • Apply ethical theories (e.g., utilitarianism, Kantian ethics) to workplace scenarios

  • Evaluate the role of HR in shaping ethical culture and organizational behavior

  • Identify common ethical challenges in the workplace and strategies to address them

  • Understand the impact of corporate social responsibility on business practices

  • Assess how globalization and cultural differences influence ethical decision-making

  • Promote fairness, accountability, and transparency in HR policies and practices

  • Strengthen leadership capabilities to support ethical and responsible organizations

Your Instructor

Ted A
Paterson

Director, Center for Family Enterprise; L. W. "Bill" Lane Professor in Family Business Management; Associate Professor of Management; Senior Editor of Journal of Business Research

Ted A. Paterson, Ph.D. joined Oregon State University in 2015 and is currently an Associate Professor of Management. In 2020 he was named the director of the Center for Family Enterprise and the L. W. "Bill" Lane Professor in Family Business Management. He currently serves as Senior Editor for the Journal of Business Research. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska in 2014. Prior to his doctoral studies he was a financial advisor for 10 years. Dr. Paterson's research interests center on positive organizational behavior, leadership, ethics, identity, and family business. He has taught a wide variety of management courses and currently teaches MGMT 552, Organizational Behavior. 

Learn More

Get up to date information on upcoming class start dates and we will continue to share all the new certificates and courses we continue to add to make sure your skill set is ready for the future.

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