Leadership and Ethics
Companies no longer influence only markets – they also shape politics, democracy, and societal values.
The Leadership and Ethics course helps participants understand what this means for today’s leaders. The course explores the growing role of businesses in society and enables participants to analyse the ethical and strategic dilemmas leaders face in a globalized economy.
Practical info
Course Date
Capacity
3 ECTS (78 academic hours, of which 16 in classroom and 62 individual work)
Lecturers
Language
English
Method
In class
Location
EBS University, A.Lauteri 3, Tallinn
Price
Do companies shape politics today?
The influence of companies increasingly extends beyond markets — organizations also affect politics, regulation, and societal values. The course helps leaders understand the evolving role of businesses and develop the ability to make responsible and well-considered leadership decisions.
A critical perspective on the contemporary economy
The course offers deeper insight into the complex questions of modern capitalism, corporate responsibility, and organizational ethics. Participants learn to analyse leadership decisions within a broader societal and economic context.
Discussion-based and practical learning experience
The course combines lectures, documentary materials, case analyses, and teamwork. Active discussions and case work help participants connect theory with real-world leadership situations and strengthen critical thinking skills.
Who is Leadership and Ethics intended for?
The course is designed for managers, professionals, and anyone interested in better understanding the role of businesses in the economy and society.
It is particularly valuable for those involved in strategic decision-making, corporate responsibility, or the societal impact of organizations.
The course is based on EBS master’s level curriculum and is part of the academic MBA programme.
Explore the course
The expected course period is from the end of August until December 2026. The lecture schedule is currently being finalised and will be confirmed in May 2026.
The course consists of sessions held every other week on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:15.
Each day includes a 45-minute break as well as short breaks throughout the day.
Topics Covered
Why this topic is important
The traditional view of companies as purely economic actors is increasingly challenged. Businesses today influence political processes, public regulation, and societal values, raising new questions about corporate responsibility in democratic societies.
What will take place in the session
The session introduces key concepts of business ethics and corporate responsibility and explores the growing politicization of businesses. Through discussion and examples, participants examine how the boundaries between business and politics are evolving.
Why this topic is important
In a globalized economy, business activities are linked to complex international supply chains. Decisions made by companies can affect working conditions, communities, and social standards across different regions of the world.
What will take place in the session
The session explores ethical challenges related to global supply chains and corporate responsibility. Discussions, examples, and documentary materials help illustrate the broader social implications of global production systems.
Why this topic is important
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a central concept in modern business. At the same time, organizations often face tensions between economic objectives, public expectations, and ethical responsibilities.
What will take place in the session
This session examines different perspectives on CSR and corporate responsibility. Participants discuss ethical dilemmas in organizations and reflect on how leaders navigate conflicting expectations.
Why this topic is important
Digital platforms and technology companies have gained unprecedented economic and societal influence. Their ability to collect and use data raises important questions about power, privacy, and regulation in modern societies.
What will take place in the session
The session explores the growing role of Big Tech in the economy and society. Through discussion and examples, participants consider how technological power creates new challenges for leadership, governance, and democracy.
Entry requirements
To ensure effective participation and meaningful peer learning, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- At least 3 years of work experience in business or entrepreneurship
- For non-Estonian residents: EU citizenship or a valid temporary residence permit that allows study in Estonia.
Learning outcomes
The students who have successfully passed the course:
• Have acquired the basic knowledge about the crisis of the liberal market economy and its implications for leadership.
• Are open to critically reflect and discuss the major opportunities and challenges facing the contemporary forms of capitalism.
Course completion requirements
To successfully complete the course and receive a certificate, participants must actively participate in sessions, complete independent assignments, and submit a final presentation
Assessment criteria
Assessment components:
- Participation in seminars and discussions
- Group presentation
- Reflection paper
Certificates Awarded
Participants who complete the course will receive a continuing education certificate with ECTS
Learning Enviroment
The courses takes place at EBS’s modern campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3. Students have access to ergonomic classrooms, the EBS library, and the cloud-based Canvas learning platform. The study process is supported by online tools such as Canvas and MS Teams. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.
The University reserves the right to make adjustments to the programme in cooperation with the lead lecturer to ensure the best possible learning experience.
Course reviews
The Leadership and Ethics course helped me better interpret my day-to-day management decisions and connect them with a clear theoretical framework. I particularly appreciated how ethically complex situations I had encountered in my work were given clear definitions through theory, reinforcing that every managerial decision and action is grounded in a broader conceptual framework that I had not previously articulated as clearly. The workload was manageable and allowed me to prepare effectively for lectures while staying actively engaged throughout the course.
Liis Kikas
Community Relations Lead
participant in the 2025 programme
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