Meta-learning about business ethics: Building honorable business school communities

Abstract

We propose extending business ethics education beyond the formal curriculum to the “hidden curriculum” where messages about ethics and values are implicitly sent and received. In this meta-learning approach, students learn by becoming active participants in an “honorable” business school community where real ethical issues are openly discussed and acted upon. When combined with formal ethics instruction, this meta-learning approach provides a framework for a proposed comprehensive program of business ethics education.