Abstract
21st Century corporate scandals and the global financial crisis of 2008 have led to increased attention on business ethics education in academic and professional syllabi. Despite efforts to improve business ethics education, issues remain, notably in student engagement. Business ethics provides students with an opportunity to develop their confidence to voice their own values and concerns in a professional environment in future. While student engagement is an issue faced in many subject areas, it is important to explore engagement in business ethics specifically to ensure students become ethical practitioners.The purpose of this research is in two parts, firstly, to understand the student experience in business ethics education through curriculum design, student engagement and delivery methods. Secondly, to provide practical recommendations for educators to promote student engagement. Existing research typically focuses either on the educator or student perspective, but rarely considers these mutually. This research addresses this by collecting data through focus groups with educators and students (a dual perspective) at two UK business schools. Analysis of this data reveals where expectations are aligned or not with regard to the student experience.
A conceptual framework is formulated and applied to consider the content and delivery of business ethics education from a student engagement perspective. Similarities and differences in responses inform the development of practical recommendations specific to the cases observed. It is anticipated that this research will raise the profile of business ethics education and encourage development and adoption of best practice. This in turn will benefit society, by the accountants, managers and professionals of tomorrow graduating with a heightened sense of ethical awareness and behaving as more responsible and reflective practitioners as a result. This thesis makes a further contribution to help educators improve student engagement across a wider range of subjects in the business school curriculum.
Date of Award | 10 Jun 2021 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisor | Elaine Harris (Director of Studies) & Steven Howlett (Supervisor) |