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Creating an Interdisciplinary Business Ethics Program

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Abstract

Driven by recent accreditation mandates, a changing legal environment, and multiple high-visibility corporate ethics scandals, many business schools are responding to the growing movement within higher education to integrate ethics into the curricula. The literature suggests that the amount of attention given to ethics varies widely among institutions, and has not been coherently developed. Moreover, institutions have struggled to tie related projects and instruction to the overall concept of assurance of student learning. The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework for institutions interested in creating an interdisciplinary business ethics program that combines critical success factors, assurance of student learning and continuous quality improvement. Using a nationally recognized business school’s ethics program, we provide an example of how our model can be applied at other institutions based on their own unique vision, mission and goals.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Business, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA

    Elizabeth Towell & Amy Buhrow

  2. Department of Operations Management and Information Systems, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA

    Kathleen L. McFadden

  3. BELIEF Program, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115, USA

    William C. McCoy

Authors
  1. Elizabeth Towell
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  2. Kathleen L. McFadden
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  3. William C. McCoy
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  4. Amy Buhrow
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elizabeth Towell.

Appendix 1

Appendix 1

Northern Illinois University College of Business Student Code of Ethics

As a student at Northern Illinois University’s College of Business, I understand that it is my duty to behave in a courteous and ethical manner at all times. The attitudes and habits I develop as a student form the core of my professional behavior. As such, I will set an example of the highest caliber for those that work with me.

To promote these behaviors within the student body, I will use the principles of honesty, respect, integrity, and professionalism as my academic and professional guide.

Honesty

  • Understand the College’s policies on academic conduct, and practice them as a part of my life

  • Honor my personal obligation to be sincere and forthright by dealing fairly and truthfully with others

Respect

  • Embrace the diverse perspectives and accomplishments of others, knowing that it is the personal and cultural variations among people that enrich us individually and as a society

  • Take pride in my College and University by protecting our facilities and their surroundings

Integrity

  • Maintain my beliefs and values despite changing circumstances and challenging environments

  • Respect my reputation and that of my university by avoiding unethical behaviors and the circumstances that encourage them

Professionalism

  • Maintain the highest standards of performance, conduct, and cooperation with my fellow students, faculty, and co-workers

  • Perform my duties with due diligence and make a continuous effort towards improvement

Written by and for Northern Illinois University College of Business Students Northern Illinois University College of Business Student Advisory Board Unanimously Approved December 6, 2004

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Towell, E., McFadden, K.L., McCoy, W.C. et al. Creating an Interdisciplinary Business Ethics Program. J Acad Ethics 10, 93–112 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10805-012-9160-9

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