Abstract

OOSTHUIZEN, JH; USHER, JV  and  NUKUNAH, CN Tankou Epse. Principles of Responsible Management Education: An Assessment of South African Business Schools. JCMAN [online]. 2018, vol.15, n.spe, pp.37-56. ISSN 1815-7440.

The role of responsible management education becomes evident when one considers urgent global issues (UGIs), such as financial system failure, resource depletion, climate change, inequality, extreme poverty and hunger, and lack of education. These are exacerbated by management and leadership challenges, such as abuse of power, unethical practices and a disregard for matters of sustainability. If business schools pursue the objectives of building intellectual capital for countries and industries, and provide knowledge and critique relevant to management practice, demonstrable commitment to responsible management education is paramount. This study assesses the status of South African business schools' visible commitment to responsible management education, as espoused in the United Nations' (UN) Six Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative. The study identified seven signatory business schools from South Africa, using the PRME online portal. Since there are 18 business schools in South Africa, all of which are members of the South African Business Schools Association (SABSA), this finding is disconcerting. A qualitative document analysis of the South African signatory business schools' Sharing Information on Progress (SIP) reports was undertaken. With less than half of South Africa's business schools represented, a national sectoral status was not achievable. However, the study revealed a high level of attestable commitment to the effective implementation of the Six Principles within these seven institutions. The study concludes with practical recommendations and suggestions for further research.

Keywords : Business School; PRME; SABSA; Six Principles; SIP report; and South Africa.

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