Corporate citizenship education for responsible business leaders

Abstract

Corporate scandals, concerns about global warming and the continued abuse of natural and human resources by business demand a critical reflection and redefinition of global leadership. Management education in general and corporate citizenship education in particular are claimed to play a crucial role in reassessing what responsible business practice entails. There are several initiatives to ensure that businesses act more responsibly. Legislation and enforcement are foundational components of any strategy to counter the erosion in corporate ethics and the abuse of natural and human resources, but this is not enough. Education and training can play an important role in shaping responsible business and citizen behaviour. Corporate citizenship education should include not only acquiring a working knowledge of applicable legislation but also interrogating the complex challenges and paradoxes business leaders face. This article explores the role corporate citizenship education plays in a global redefinition of responsible business leadership. © 2006 Development Bank of Southern Africa.