Business ethics – a topic for an MBA programme?
Yes. Ethics has long been more than a “nice-to-have” and belongs – practice-oriented and implementation-focused – in modern Executive MBA programmes. “Not as theory, but pragmatically, with exercises and transferable to one’s own practice,” says Dr. Ralph Zürcher.
Interview quote from the “MBA” supplement of the Handelszeitung, no. 38 (2009)
From the MBA context follows directly the decisive question for everyday business: how can ethics be anchored in the company beyond mission statements and theory in such a way that it actually shapes decisions and behaviour?
A 5-point essence: implementing ethics in the company in practice
1. Clear guard rails
Define 3–5 binding principles and clear no-gos – compact on one page and in understandable language.
2. Leading by example
Ethics must be visibly lived: managers act consistently according to it – without exceptions, not even for “top performers”.
3. Integrated into processes
Anchor ethics in the core / key processes: with checklists, defined approvals and the four-eyes principle for grey areas.
4. Being able to report safely
Create confidential reporting channels, guarantee protection against reprisals and ensure reliable, consistent processing.
5. Practice instead of theory
Work with real dilemma cases, short exercises and an annual review to continuously improve rules, procedures and lessons learned.
Work with real dilemma cases, short exercises and an annual review to continuously improve rules, procedures and lessons learned.
Recommendation for implementation in the company
Implementation workshops should be anchored in management development: plan 2 × 0.5 days as a pragmatic, easily plannable investment.