Overview
Introduction to the business environment of New Zealand, including important defining characteristics, social and environmental implications of business decisions, and an appreciation of bi- and multi-cultural frameworks as they affect business.
BSNS 111 - Business and Society will dive into the business environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and explore its defining characteristics. You'll also learn about the social and environmental implications of business decisions and gain an appreciation for the bi- and multi-cultural frameworks that shape the way businesses operate.
Through engaging discussions and real-world case studies, you'll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be essential for success in any professional field. Additionally, you will gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can function in a socially responsible and sustainable manner.
This course sets itself apart by encouraging you to explore the underlying aspects of the business world that are often hidden in plain sight. By examining your own values and perceptions, you'll be able to assess how they impact your understanding of businesses' relationship with society.
About this paper
| Paper title | Business and Society |
|---|---|
| Subject | Business Studies |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1
(On campus)
Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,053.30 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Schedule C
- Commerce
- Contact
- More information link
- View more information on the Otago Business School's website
- Teaching staff
Academic Lead: Dr Lincoln Wood
Co-ordinator: Dr Fariba Mostafa
- Textbooks
Carroll, A. B., Brown, J., & Buchholtz, A. K. (2023). Business & society: Ethics, sustainability & stakeholder management (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
In addition, weekly readings (e.g., journal articles or case studies) will be provided and introduced via Blackboard throughout the semester.
- Course outline
A link will be provided once the 2026 course outline is finalised.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will be essential for success in any field
- Gain a deeper understanding of how businesses can operate in a socially responsible and sustainable way
- Identify and apply key concepts to characterise the complex relationships between businesses, government, and society, and understand the interdependence between these
- Gain an understanding of the assumptions that underpin these relationships and critically evaluate their relevance in our changing world
- Explore the role of the Māori worldview in shaping Aotearoa New Zealand's business, government, and society relationships, and understand the importance of cultural diversity in our society
- Analyse the social and environmental implications of business decisions, and develop an understanding of the ethical considerations that are involved in these decisions
- Reflect on their own values and critically evaluate how they influence the student's perception of business, government, and society relationships.