The Emerging Bright Side: Positive Business Ethics Education

Abstract

This article utilizes the methodology of evidence-based research to address the research question: Can scholarly literature be extended to develop a positive approach that motivates students and increases the effectiveness of business ethics education? Positive business ethics is defined as an inspired commitment to build long-term personal, organizational, and societal success through the consistent pursuit of ethical business behavior. Unfortunately, the business ethics content integrated into business discipline textbooks is primarily focused on unethical behavior and short-term perspectives and is lacking relevant context of business disciplines, leaving business schools poorly positioned to address AACSB ethical understanding and decision-making learning outcomes standards. Fortunately, the foundations of a positive approach have begun to emerge. Positive business ethics education fundamentally asserts that business people’s roles in society have great worth and that ethical behavior is relevant to their career success. A balanced approach reframes ethical dilemmas into ethical opportunities, transforming career-motivated business students into ethical managers who create long-term value in their successful virtuous organizations. Integrating a positive approach to business ethics education across the business disciplines will improve educational effectiveness, add quality to business schools, prepare the next generation of ethical managers and leaders, enhance careers, add value to businesses, and benefit society at large.