We know Harvard as one of the most elite business schools in the world. We have analyzed their case studies, read their business reviews, and seen what their students are capable of doing (enter Mark Zuckerberg). Though Harvard is considered to be one of the best educational institutions in the world, their reputation was damaged following the financial crisis of 2008.
Ethics was the subject at hand and something had to give. Harvard's response? A change of curriculum to their M.B.A. program to focus more on ethics and teamwork.
Nitin Nohria, Dean at Harvard University as of July 2010, began researching the curriculum face-lift in 2008 and just announced last week they will be making the much needed changes that will require an extra course at the beginning and end of their first year. Also required will be a three week internship during January. Nohria exhibits the perspective taking social judgement skill that is outlined by Mumford's Skills Model. He is looking at the school from the perspective of those who are blaming institutions, like Harvard, for producing business leaders who lack trust. They see the school as a means of making connections and building credentials, whereas he wants it to provide students with character and competence.
The additional courses will be a break from the typical class of 90 students sitting and discussing a case study. Instead, they will be working in smaller groups and focusing on ethical issues in the business world. This is a meant to expose students to material that will challenge their personal accountability. It will require them to take responsibility for their actions and look outside of the profit margin.
As much as I agree that schools such as Harvard are a large reason for why we are in a financial crisis, I think this is a step in the right direction. They are learning from their mistakes and making an effort to better our society. Though it may not be the most proactive approach, at least they are owning up to their shortcomings and striving towards being more socially responsible in educating their students.
I wonder, however, why it is that it has taken this long for Harvard to realize that ethics and teamwork are a core part of today's business world? Look towards ISU as a reference point. Has it not been part of our curriculum to discuss and write about ethics in almost each of our business courses? We also have a class completely dedicated to teams. To top it off, the MQM 385 course is centered around corporate social responsibility. Perhaps Harvard isn't as elite and innovative as it used to be.
So what is your take? Do you feel this will have an impact on business in 5, 10, or 20 years? Do you think that this change in curriculum is worth the effort?
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Post By: Michael Condupa
The thing about this article that really intrigues me is that Harvard is looking towards changes that ISU has been putting into action for the past 10 years or so. Yeah, sure we have courses that are dedicated to enhancing our ideas of "social responsibility" and teamwork, but isn't that the whole idea behind our curriculum? I think that Harvard is moving their way to a more substantial business program and by all means will enhance the way that their students think and put into action their knowledge of what they will be learning through the new courses being offered.
ReplyDelete"We need to fucus on cultivating judgement not basic analytical tools," said Mr. Nohria. This to me seems like an obvious step that Harvard will have to take to increase their means of teamwork and social responsibility, but I believe that a good mixture of both as seen through our ISU curriculum might be a better choice. As seen within our course (MQM 382), Harvard's method for changing its course should be structured under great leadership. This will offer its students and faculty a cleared vision and also align the schools goals and strategies that it will need to meet the change. Even though the change is well underway, it had to be lead by establishing a direction, aligning its followers, and also with great motivation and inspiration. To further enhance this idea and comment, I believe that it might have a slight impact on business in five to ten years just for the fact that business strategy changes with the generations that put it to practice. What we learn right now may not be seen as the "right" way of business as a student may see or experience it down the road. Harvard is underway to do great things by sculpting their courses to meet the challenges of the ever changing business world, but ISU seems to be well ahead of them.
As for the change, I believe that it is worth the effort but yet could be handled in other ways. I think that they should have been gradually changing the courses and ideas that they are focusing on over a period of time rather than all of a sudden realizing that they were outdated and headed in the wrong direction. With that being said, who is their leader anyway? Is it the students? Could it be the faculty? Maybe it is those who invest in the institution? Whoever it may be, the changes that they are going through are much needed, and will help better the institution for years to come. For others, this may seem like it isn't the right path at all. Anyone want to take a swing at addressing such ideas?
Posted By: Jeffrey Parrish
I definitely think it will have an impact in the future of the business world. Ethics even at Harvard was not always taught/addressed and I believe that is the root of the problem. If the students that are studying to be future business leaders are made more aware and taught to make the right decisions this will have a positive impact on the future. We are a new generation of leaders and if the problem is addressed I believe we will be a generation with better ethics.
ReplyDeleteLiz Ramirez