ArgosyUniversity
COURSE SYLLABUS
IO6300
Professional Ethics and Legal Issues
Summer I, May 10 – June 28, 2010
6:00pm – 10:00pm Monday’s
Faculty Information
Faculty Name: Michael Caponi, Psy.D.
Campus: Argosy Chicago
Contact Information: 847.922.0078
Office Hours: By appointment
Short Faculty Bio: Michael Caponi earned a Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology and a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology after a business career that spanned 20+ years. His interests include assisting individuals, groups, and organizations with increasing effectiveness and improving performance.
Course Description:
This course addresses the legal and ethical challenges in the employment process. The course explores managerial decision-making and reinforces ethical considerations in test decision making, employment selection, compensation, performance appraisal and general treatment of employees at work. Emphasis is on the study of multiple perspectives on an issue, analysis and problem solving strategies to create policy and sustain practices that conform to the spirit of the ethics codes of the American Psychological Association and the Society of Human Resources Management.
Required Textbooks:
Guerin, L. & DelPo, A. (2007).The essential guide to federal employment laws. 2nd Edition. NOLO; ISBN: 1-4133-0602-0.
Street, M. D. & Street, V. L.(2006). Taking sides: Clashing views in management. 2nd Edition. McGraw-Hill/Dushkin; ISBN-10: 0073527211 ISBN-13: 978-0073527215
Course length: 7.5 Weeks
Contact Hours: 45 Hours
Credit Value:3.0
Program Outcomes:
- Knowledge and Understanding of the Field of Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Demonstrate an understanding of industrial organizational psychology that integrates the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, applications, historical trends, and key figures in the field.
- Critical Thinking and Problem Solving in the Field of Industrial Organizational Psychology.
Given an organizational issue, integrate and use techniques from business and the behavioral sciences to evaluate potential problems, diagnose possible causes, and develop and defend appropriate courses of action using the theoretical foundations and current research in the industrial/organizational field.
- Apply Industrial Organizational Research and Assessment Practices.
Given an industrial organizational objective, select, integrate and apply appropriate research methods, assessment instruments, statistical analyses, needs assessment techniques, program evaluation methods, job evaluation methods, and personnel evaluation methods to strategies designed to obtain the objective.
- Knowledge of Industrial Organizational Behavior, Development, and Change Strategies.
Given an organization’s target for development or change, analyze organizational and work behavior in relation to the target, evaluate the need for and influences of change on the organization and organizational members, and apply appropriate models, theories, and principles to facilitate healthy change and development.
- Competency in Ethics as They Apply to Industrial Organizational Practices.
When establishing strategies to address organizational objectives, identify relevant ethical standards from the fields of business and the behavioral sciences, evaluate the potential for ethical dilemmas or violations, and make evidence-based decisions that integrate and incorporate personal, social, and corporate responsibility.
- Competency in Diversity as it Applies to Industrial Organizational Practices.
Analyze and evaluate how diversity influences industrial organizational issues, and develop change strategies that demonstrate an appreciation of how diversity influences individuals and groups within the organization.
- Competency in Oral and Written Communication.
Communicate orally and in writing to individuals and groups using appropriate formats and technology in a manner that is professional, concise, clear, organized, well supported, and relevant to the context.
- Demonstrate Competency in Assessing and Modifying Motivation and Performance Issues.
When planning and implementing strategies that pertain to industrial organizational performance, identify relevant motivational and performance issues, and apply appropriate motivational, training, and coaching models and principles to the strategies.
Course Objectives:
- Given the ethical principles of multiple professionalorganizations, compare and contrast the ethics principles of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), for solving organizational problems from an I/O psychology perspective.(Program Outcomes 1, 6)
- Given selected federal public policies, apply law to form solutions to counsel management on I/O psychology issues. (Program Outcomes 1)
- Given divergent perspectives, evaluate proponent and opponentpositions on discrimination, employment testing, drug testing, compensation, whistle blowing, corporate downsizing, illegal immigrants, and sweatshops, in order to make ethically sound recommendations. (Program Outcomes 1, 2, 6)
- Given an assessment instrument, examine the integrity of an organization and recommend steps to enhanceitsorganizational integrity. (Program Outcomes 4)
- Given a management situation, identify hiring and supervision practices in the international environment that are unethical in the U.S.and recommend solutions consistent with the ethics codes of APA and HRM. (Program Outcomes 2,5)
- Given the APA ethics code, identify aspectsthat differ from your personal beliefs and values, and explain how to resolve the conflict. (Program Outcomes 2)
- Given a scholarly article on anI/O psychology issue related to legal or ethical issues, write a critique to enhance the scholarship should you decide to replicate the study. (Program Outcomes 7)
- When engaged with an organizational decision making process, incorporate ethical consideration when explore and appraise information to make decisions that are ethically sound. (Program Outcomes 2, 5)
- Given a secondary research assignment, from multiple sources isolate a problem, collect data and write a paper reflective of a topic in the course, in compliance with APA format and writing standards (Program Outcomes 2, 5 7)
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Assignment Table:
Week: / Topics: / Reading Assignments: / Formative Assignment/Assessment#1
5/10/10 / Ethical Decision Making
- Integrity
- APA Ethical Principles
Competence
- Human
Relations
- Privacy
and…
Confidentiality
- SHRM Ethics Code
- Corporate Ethics Checkup
SHRM Code of Ethical and Professional Standards
in Human Resource Management, Retrieved January 18, 2007, from
Corporate Integrity Checkup, Retrieved January 18,2007, from
Campion, M. Policy on Licensure Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), Retrieved January 15, 2007, from
Guerin & Delpo. (2006).The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 1-3
Street & Street (2006)
Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management
Read the following sections:
Do Corporations have a responsibility to society that extends beyond merely maximizing profits?
Is it immoral for U.S. corporations to use cheap overseas labor? / Complete Assignment number 1 under Module 1 online; comment on postings of classmates two times during the week
Complete Assignment number 2 under Module 1. Due May 17th at 6pm. Bring to class
#2
5/17/10 / Legal Framework
- Civil Rights Act
- Age Discrimination
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act
- Affirmative Action
- Americans with Disabilities Act
Chapters 4-6
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
ISSUE 5. Has Affirmative Action Outlived Its Usefulness in the Workplace?
Does an employer’s need to monitor workers trump employee privacy concerns? / Complete Assignment number 1 under Module 2 online; comment on postings of classmates two times during the week
#3
5/24/10 / Selection of Employees
- Selection processes
- Employment testing
- Test validation
- Types of tests
- Integrity testing
- Drug testing
Dalton, D. R. & Wimbush, J. C. Integrity Testing Through an Alternative Lens: A One Act Play, Retrieved January 15, 2007, from
Guerin & Delpo (2006)The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 7-9
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
ISSUE 6. Is Workplace Drug Testing a Wise Corporate Policy?
Should corporations be allowed to implement English-only rules in the workplace? / Write a four-page (excluding references) reflection paper (APA style) responding to the question:
“Is diversity an idealistic perspective that has emerged out of sensitivity to inclusion and non-discrimination, or is it a panacea with many practical and moral benefits if practiced?”
Email your paper to instructor by 5/31/10 at 6pm
#4
5/31/10 / NO CLASS / MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY
#4
6/07/10 / Compensation
- Fair Labor Standards
- State Laws
- Equal Pay Act
- Ethical Decision Making
- Executive Compensation
- Free Market Perspective
- Gender Pay Disparities
The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 10 & 11
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
ISSUE 8. Is Gender Discrimination the Main Reason Women Are Paid Less Than Men?
Should employees be allowed to vote by secret ballot when deciding whether to support unionization in the workplace? / Write a four-page (excluding references) reflection paper (APA style) responding to the question:
“Promises are implied or explicitly stated between the government and the people. When people have done their part, such as paying into social Security, can the government find a moral basis for changing the agreement that the benefits will be based on contributions?”
Due by 6/14/10 at 6pm
Bring your paper to class
#5
6/14/10 / Selective Policy Issues
- Whistle-Blowers
- Values Analysis
- Writing Ethics Codes
Fine, S. (January 2006). Whistle Blowing and Industrial Psychology. The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Vol. 43/ No. 3. Retrieved January 15, 2007, from
David, A. (2006). Whistleblowers: Who they are and how management should respond. Graziadio Business Report 2006, Volume 9, Issue 4. Retrieved January 21, 2007, from
EthicsResourceCenter. (2001). A Guide to Developing Your Organization’s Code of Ethics. Retrieved January 22, 2007 from
Lefkowitz, J. The Values of Industrial-Organizational Psychology: Who Are We?1 Retrieved January 21, 2007, from
Guerin & Delpo. (2006). The Essential Guide to Federal Employment Laws
The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 12 & 13
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
Are U.S. CEO’s paid more than they deserve?
Is downsizing a sound strategic initiative?
Is outsourcing a wise corporate strategy? / Complete Assignment 2 under Module 5. Due on 6/21/10 Bring your paper to class.
#6
6/21/10 / Downsizing the Organization
- Layoff notice to communities and employees
- Outsourcing
- Social Promise
- Utilitarisim
- Rights
- Fairness
Church, A. H. From Both Sides Now Organizational Downsizing: What Is the Role of the Practitioner? Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Inc. Retrieved January 19, 2007, from
Guerin & Delpo. (2006). The Essential Guide to Federal Employment Laws
The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 14-16
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
Is first to market a successful strategy?
Is growth always an inherent corporate value? / Write a four-page (excluding references) reflection paper (APA style) responding to the questions:
“In the United States, there are currently no laws against outsourcing. In consideration of the debate over stockholder versus stakeholder interests, how does a business best serve its community? Who is it beholden to?”
Due by 6/28/10 at 6pm
Bring your paper to class
#7
6/28/10 / Cultural and Global Ethical Issues
- Illegal Aliens
- Immigrants
- Diversity
- Immigration Reform
- Civil Rights
- Sweatshops
- Globalization
- Boycotts and Bans
- Consumer Awareness
The Essential Guide to federal employment laws (2nd Ed)
Chapters 17-19
Street & Street. (2006). Taking Sides: Clashing Views in Management.
Read the following sections:
Should U.S. Corporations Be Allowed to Hire Illegal Aliens?
Are Global Sweatshops Exploitative?
Should corporations adopt environmentally friendly policies of CSR and sustainable development?
Do unskilled immigrants hurt the American economy?
Is economic globalization good for humankind?
Harris, M. M. (April 2005). Global Forum: The Global Workforce and Implications for I-O Psychology Practice. The Industrial-Organizational Psychologist, Vol. 42/No. Retrieved January 15, 2007, from
/ Complete Assignment number 1 under Module 7. Write an 8 page paper on your topic of choice. Email your paper to the instructor by 7/3/10 @ 6pmComplete Assignment number 2 under Module 8. Post your responses to the three questions online; comment on postings of classmates two times during the week
Grading Criteria:
Grading Scale / Grading requirementsA / 100 – 93 / Attendance/participation / 40%
A- / 92 – 90 / Class Assignments / 30%
B+ / 89 – 88 / Final Project / 30%
C+ / 79 – 78 / 100%
C / 77 – 73
C- / 72 – 70
F / 69 and below
Library:
All resources in ArgosyUniversity’s online collection are available through the Internet. The campus librarian will provide students with links, user IDs, and passwords.
Library Resources: ArgosyUniversity’s core online collection features nearly 21,000 full-text journals and 23,000 electronic books and other content covering all academic subject areas including Business & Economics, Career & General Education, Computers, Engineering & Applied Science, Humanities, Science, Medicine & Allied Health, and Social & Behavior Sciences. Many titles are directly accessible through the Online Public Access Catalog at Detailed descriptions of online resources are located at
In addition to online resources, ArgosyUniversity’s onsite collections contain a wealth of subject-specific research materials searchable in the Online Public Access Catalog. Catalog searching is easily limited to individual campus collections. Alternatively, students can search combined collections of all Argosy University Libraries. Students are encouraged to seek research and reference assistance from campus librarians.
Information Literacy: ArgosyUniversity’s Information Literacy Tutorial was developed to teach students fundamental and transferable research skills. The tutorial consists of five modules where students learn to select sources appropriate for academic-level research, search periodical indexes and search engines, and evaluate and cite information. In the tutorial, students study concepts and practice them through interactions. At the conclusion of each module, they can test their comprehension and receive immediate feedback. Each module takes less than 20 minutes to complete. Please view the tutorial at
Academic Policies:
Academic Dishonesty/Plagiarism: In an effort to foster a spirit of honesty and integrity during the learning process, ArgosyUniversity requires that the submission of all course assignments represent the original work produced by that student. All sources must be documented through normal scholarly references/citations and all work must be submitted using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition (2001). WashingtonDC: American Psychological Association (APA) format. Please refer to Appendix A in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th Edition for thesis and paper format. Students are encouraged to purchase this manual (required in some courses) and become familiar with its content as well as consult the ArgosyUniversity catalog for further information regarding academic dishonesty and plagiarism.
Scholarly writing: The faculty at ArgosyUniversity is dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports scholarly and ethical writing, free from academic dishonesty and plagiarism. This includes the proper and appropriate referencing of all sources. You may be asked to submit your course assignments through “Turnitin,” ( an online resource established to help educators develop writing/research skills and detect potential cases of academic dishonesty. Turnitin compares submitted papers to billions of pages of content and provides a comparison report to your instructor. This comparison detects papers that share common information and duplicative language.
Americans with Disabilities Act Policy:
It is the policy of ArgosyUniversity to make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student with disabilities needs accommodations, the student must notify the Director of Student Services. Procedures for documenting student disability and the development of reasonable accommodations will be provided to the student upon request.
Students will be notified by the Director of Student Services when each request for accommodation is approved or denied in writing via a designated form. To receive accommodation in class, it is the student’s responsibility to present the form (at his or her discretion) to the instructor. In an effort to protect student privacy, the Department of Student Services will not discuss the accommodation needs of any student with instructors. Faculty may not make accommodations for individuals who have not been approved in this manner.
TheArgosyUniversity Statement Regarding Diversity:
ArgosyUniversity prepares students to serve populations with diverse social, ethnic, economic, and educational experiences. Both the academic and training curricula are designed to provide an environment in which students can develop the skills and attitudes essential to working with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
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