An examination of ethics education in Michigan business schools

Because of the increased occurrence of corporate scandals and the recent Wall Street implosion, business leaders and students desire effective ethics training in the business school curriculum. This study revealed that Michigan business schools significantly increased the number of business courses with integrated ethical content in the undergraduate program from 2001-2002 to 2008-2009. In Michigan graduate business programs, business ethics, both separate and integrated, appear to be stagnant. This study does not ascertain the qualifications of the business faculty but does support the theory that business ethics knowledge via research and training relates to improvement in business ethics education. This study supports the recommendation that Michigan Business School Deans encourage and reward business faculty to conduct and publish research articles about ethical issues, relating to their field of interest. The Deans should also provide in-house or offsite training seminars on the topics of emerging ethical issues to business school faculty, to elevate the level of business ethics introduced to students.