The essay shall demonstrate how management schools can advance and are advancing to become a role model in the on-going sustainable development of society.
The material presented in this essay is relevant to management institutions and to anyone involved with sustainable development to reinforce the generally accepted positive effects of education. The closed formulation of the question should not neglect the appreciation for the wider issue, as sustainability is a crossover, multidisciplinary field. However, the limitation was set to management education as being a form of educating future leadership personalities with advanced power to decide and direct organisations and to higher education being close to the age at entry into the working environment.
In times, of severe social-ecological problems and as a consequence thereof widespread efforts to oppose these problems, it is necessary to identify how to generate an effective countermovement and build resilience to a wider spread of such issues. Whereas the 20th century was shaped by wars and suppression in many countries, and hence the initiation of a worldwide peace process, the 21st century, even though still in its beginnings, will be a race against the so called environmental tipping points and social unfairness. And still the society is confronted with problems that are almost impossible to solve. The rapid economic development through the liberalisation of markets has lead to crises in diverse areas.
“Globalisation today is not working for many of the world’s poor. It is not working for much of the environment. It is not working for the stability of the global economy.” (Stieglitz, 2002, p. 214)
Not only critics of the neoliberal globalisation demand a solidary, sustainable rethinking, a fair distribution of wealth is a fastidious challenge. To secure at least the base of living of hundreds of million people is crucial. But for the 384 million people living with less than $1,25 per day, it is an absolute necessity that a socially responsible and economical-ecological viable attitude towards them will occur in the companies and consumer markets of western countries. Hence, this needs to occur in between those people relishing their higher education now or in the near future.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction to the essay
1.1 Purpose of the essay
1.2 Context and relevance of the essay
1.3 Structure of the essay
2 Together what belongs together?
2.1 Sustainable development
2.2 Educational institutions as sources of production
2.3 Development of values through role modelling
3 Insights into a practical approach - EMS at Karlshochschule
4 Conclusions
Objectives and Core Themes
This essay explores how management education can evolve to become a transformative role model for sustainable development by integrating ethics, social responsibility, and practical environmental management into its core curriculum. The work investigates the gap between current business practices and the urgent global need for a shift towards sustainable, socially responsible leadership.
- The imperative for sustainable development in a globalized economy.
- The responsibility of educational institutions in shaping future leadership values.
- The role of "social diffusion" and value-based education in fostering systemic change.
- Practical implementation strategies for environmental management systems (EMS) in higher education.
- Moving beyond traditional profit-centered models towards a concept of "Creating Shared Value."
Excerpt from the Book
2.2 Educational institutions as sources of societal wellbeing
In recent years, education has become more and more the flagship in the competition of nations, one next to the other trying to win the “unofficial world education championships” (Alvesson, 2013, p. 73). The importance of the factor of production of knowledge cannot be talked away (Becker, 1993, pp. xxi), especially in times in which the outputs of production are getting more and more complex. However, competition and society demands the aggregated capabilities to upgrade once in a while and to become increasingly sophisticated (Adler, 2002, p. 392).
Some universities offer courses, which promise students to one day become CEO or President, but conceal the fact that in most cases it will take them more or less two long decades to really put this title on their business cards. Herby, it may lead to quality issues in such a way that it becomes more important to access a certain position and credentials then internalising a certain belief and values with which to set to work (Alvesson, 2013). Especially certain amoral business theories, being taught, prevent new managers to live up to their prevailing responsibility (Muff et al, 2013, p. 77 referring to Ghosal, 2005 and Khurana, 2007) and “cope with current challenges in the roles, responsibilities and purpose of business in society” (Muff et al, 2013, p. 77 referring to Gentile, 2010; Swaen et al, 2011 and Bieger, 2011).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction to the essay: This chapter outlines the purpose and relevance of the study, situating the need for a shift in management education within the broader context of global social and ecological challenges.
2 Together what belongs together?: This section discusses the definition of sustainable development, examines the limitations of current business education models, and explores how institutions can foster values through role modelling.
3 Insights into a practical approach - EMS at Karlshochschule: This chapter provides a case study of how Karlshochschule International University plans to implement an environmental management system to foster student participation and campus-wide sustainability.
4 Conclusions: This section summarizes the core argument that management institutions must embody the values they teach and act as ethical "custodians of society" to prepare future leaders effectively.
Keywords
Sustainability, Management Education, Sustainable Development, Role Modelling, Higher Education, Karlshochschule, Environmental Management Systems, Social Responsibility, Leadership, Ethics, Creating Shared Value, Social Diffusion, Corporate Responsibility, Education, Globalisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this essay?
The essay examines how management schools can transition from traditional, profit-focused teaching toward becoming active, ethical role models that prepare students to address global sustainable development challenges.
Which central topics are discussed in the work?
Key themes include the failure of traditional neoliberal business models, the social and environmental responsibilities of universities, and the integration of values like empathy and ethics into business curricula.
What is the core research objective?
The objective is to determine how management education can be transformed into a catalyst for positive societal change by fostering responsible leadership personalities.
Which scientific approaches are utilized?
The essay uses a mix of theoretical analysis, integrating concepts like "Creating Shared Value" and "Social Diffusion," and a practical case study approach focusing on the implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS).
What does the main body cover?
It covers the definition of sustainability, the critique of current educational outcomes in business schools, the importance of role modelling, and a practical proposal for university campus sustainability.
Which keywords best describe this paper?
The paper is defined by terms such as Sustainability, Management Education, Role Modelling, Ethics, and Responsible Leadership.
How does the author view the role of business schools in environmental preservation?
The author argues that schools must do more than transfer knowledge; they must foster a culture of participation and ethical reflection, treating the campus itself as a living lab for sustainability.
What is the significance of the Karlshochschule case study?
It serves as a practical demonstration of how institutions can combine ISO standards with a participatory culture to turn sustainability from an abstract concept into an omnipresent campus reality.
How does the "social diffusion" concept relate to management education?
The author posits that educational institutions act as trusted sources for students, meaning that their demonstrated commitment to sustainability can significantly influence students' own professional behaviors and decision-making.
- Citar trabajo
- Julien Schröder-Gianoncelli (Autor), 2014, Sustainability in Higher Business Education. How can management education be the role model for sustainable development?, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/323966
