Ethics

Not applicable.

The curricular unit is developed in theoretical-practical classes, combining an expository approach to theoretical content, supported by illustrative examples, with discussion and resolution of practical cases.

Teaching-learning methodologies include theoretical exposition, active and participatory methods, guided self-study, in-class demonstrations, individual work, problem-solving exercises, and small group work.

a) Framing

The curricular unit Ethics and Deontology, taught in the 3rd year (2nd semester) of the Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Administration Secretariat, aims to provide students with a structured set of fundamental knowledge for understanding the ethical and deontological dimensions of professional activity.

This unit seeks to meet the educational requirements of a future professional in 21st-century business sciences, highlighting the social, organizational, and human relevance of functions performed in the Secretariat and Advisory area.

At the same time, it intends to contribute to the students’ personal and academic development, fostering critical thinking, ethical reflection, and initiation into scientific research.

A central concern is also raising awareness of the importance of ethical, deontological, human, and social values as the foundation of active citizenship, socially responsible professional practice, and the construction of fairer organizations and societies, prepared to face the ethical challenges associated with competitiveness, progress, and organizational change.

b) Objectives

At the end of the curricular unit, students should be able to:

1. Contextualize the ethical phenomenon and understand the main concepts of ethics, deontology, and morality in social, organizational, and professional contexts.
2. Recognize the importance of ethical and deontological codes and of ethics in business and organizations.
3. Apply theoretical and practical knowledge of ethics to the Secretariat and Advisory area.
4. Understand and respect the principles of confidentiality, information security, and professional responsibility.
5. Develop oral and written communication skills, including the preparation of academic work with scientific rigor.
6. Promote creativity, teamwork, autonomous bibliographic research, and appreciation of scientific and business knowledge.

c) Skills

By attending the curricular unit, students should develop the following skills:

1. Understand the ethical and deontological dimension of professional practice in Secretariat and Advisory.
2. Apply ethical and deontological principles in professional activity, adopting socially responsible behaviors.
3. Internalize and critically use fundamental concepts of ethics, deontology, and morality.
4. Demonstrate the ability to analyze and make ethical decisions in concrete professional situations.

Recognize, value, and respect the Code of Ethics of the Secretariat and Advisory profession.

PART I: Introduction and Fundamental Concepts

I.1. General notions of Ethics

I.2. Ethics, morality, and values

I.3. Culture based on ethical values

I.4. General notions of deontology

I.5. Analysis of cases and ethical dilemmas

PART II: Ethics in Professional Activity

II.1. Definitions and objectives

II.2. Codes of ethics and deontological codes: examples from regulated professions

II.3. Importance of codes of ethics and deontological codes in professions and organizations

II.4. Ethical training in public and private institutions

II.5. Business ethics and social responsibility

II.6. The role of public administration and political power in promoting ethics

PART III: Ethics and Deontology in Secretariat and Advisory

III.1. Ethics in the Use of Digital Technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Secretariat and Advisory

III.2. Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility in Organizations

III.3. Ethics in Decision-Making in High-Pressure Environments

III.4. Ethics in Intercultural and International Communication

III.5. Ethics in Crisis Management and Organizational Reputation

III.6. Transparency and Integrity in the Administration of Corporate Information

III.7. Ethics and Sustainable Development in Organizations

III.8. Ethics in Leadership and Mentoring within Secretariat and Advisory

III.9. Ethics and Ethical Soft Skills in the Performance of Secretariat and Advisory Professionals: Communication, Empathy, and Responsible Decision-Making

PART IV: Specific Aspects – Case Studies

IV.1. Analysis and discussion of practical cases in the context of Secretariat and Advisory

NAO