What various stakeholder groups did oil giant BP have to respond to in regard to the massive 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico? From what you know about the BP oil spill, how would you evaluate BP executives’ behavior in terms of corporate social responsibility?

2. Managers at some banks and mortgage companies have argued that providing subprime mortgages was based on their desire to give poor people a chance to participate in the American dream of home ownership. What is your opinion of this explanation in terms of ethics and social responsibility?

3. Which do you think would be more effective for shaping long-term ethical behavior in an organization: a written code of ethics combined with ethics training or strong ethical leadership? Which would have more impact on you? Why?

Chapter 9:

4. You are a busy partner in a legal firm and an experienced secretary complains of headaches, drowsiness, dry throat, and occasional spells of fatigue and flu. She tells you she believes air quality in the building is bad and would like something done. How would you respond?

5. Explain the difference between risk and ambiguity. How might decision making differ for a risky versus an “ambiguous” situation?

6. Do you think intuition is a valid approach to making decisions in organizations? Why or why not? How might intuition be combined with a rational decision approach?