ABSTRACT
Chapter 1, the introductory chapter, conveys the background, purpose, focus, pedagogy, structure and content of this textbook. It contributes to the aim of educating responsible professionals and is designed to enhance moral sensitivity and ethical awareness, the ability to recognise ethical dilemmas in the workplace, and enable (future) professionals to make sound ethical decisions – especially in the domains of the cultural, creative and service industries. It supports the study of (business) ethics in undergraduate professional higher education, and the (in-company) training of professionals/practitioners who need the practical knowledge to solve ethical dilemmas in their work. The book mainly focusses on facilitating a dialogue, based on discussions about the right way to act when encountered with ethical dilemmas within a vast range of cases. The theory on which it is based is supportive of that method and is therefore introduced in a relatively basic way. This pedagogy concords with teaching methods which focus on transforming experience, illuminating personal and professional values and helping to acquire desirable qualities that are gained through habitual practice. The analysis and discussion of cases are generally still considered the most effective method for teaching business ethics and inducing ‘ethicmentality’ – an attitude that combines ethical understanding with (business) practice.
