A Message for the Top 5 CSR-Focused B-Schools

When news broke of the latest QS Global Top Business Schools ranking, many expected much of the same. What conversations could one more college ranking possibly generate?

Last week when I discussed their newest rating that accolades MBA programs that most effectively address ethics and social responsibility, social media channels remained deceptively quiet.

But then the water broke. Somehow a conversation began and questions that came up included: How was this rating decided? How come specialized programs like Marlboro's MBA in Managing for Sustainability or Bainbridge Graduate Institute's (BGI) MBA in Sustainable Business hadn’t been mentioned? What about Presidio's highly sought after MBA program?

And Director of Admissions at BGI Melissa Dingmon, who recently discussed 3 Skills Every Business School Must Teach, offered to provide some clarity.

Her advice for schools that were left out: Applaud the schools that made the list: Our mutual goal must be to ensure every business school emphasizes ethical management in their classrooms.

Her message to the schools that did make the top-5: MBA programs at BGI, Marlboro and Presidio were deliberate in choosing curricula that integrates CSR into every class. We appreciate your mimicry of these pioneering programs.

Her response in full:

I applaud the schools that were recently recognized for 'consciously trying to groom socially relevant and responsible management talent—either through introduction of discrete courses in business ethics and CSR, or by integrating elements of these into every class taught.'

Business is adapting new thinking and practices as a response to the changes we see in our [economic, social and physical] environment. It is happening.

Sustainability is the evolution of business, not a revolution; but it takes revolutionary thinking to inspire people to redefine the purpose of business. Business is designed for humans to meet their needs through products and services. Business is, in essence, a vehicle designed for social change; to alleviate poverty and suffering. We can make business responsible, again, for our health and wellbeing. MBA programs have a responsibility to train the next generation of leaders to do just that.

Programs like BGI's MBA in Sustainable Business, Presidio's MBA in Sustainable Management, and Dominican University’s Green MBA were deliberate in establishing curricula that fully integrates principles of sustainability and CSR into every class.

There have been many programs that have mimicked those three pioneering schools, such as the ones that were recognized for their focus on ethical business practices. My dream is that every business program will follow suit. Every course needs to be taught from a foundation of respect which, to me, is the fundamental element of ethics and social responsibility.