Dean's Diary

By Dr. Michael Williams

Ethical judgement and behavior continues to be a ubiquitous issue in business.

Ethical engagement through business transactions is a fundamental component to establishing stable and sustainable business partnerships. Nobel laureate and philosopher Albert Schweitzer wrote, "Ethics is nothing else than reverence for life." Can the 'business of business' be considered an integral component of life? If so, business should be regarded with reverence as a part of the anatomy of our lives and works.

The role of ethics in business dealing was highlighted recently in our online course discussion boards after the Wells Fargo accounts scandal broke and in the month that followed, with many of our students engaged in commentary and debates on the subject. The associated news coverage stimulated dynamic student discourse, especially in our human resource and financial management-related programs