The Gavin School of International Management at Thunderbird University in Arizona has established a first – a requirement that its students sign an oath that requires students to practice ethical behavior after graduation.
“Our belief is management is a real profession in the same way we treat medicine and law,” Thunderbird president Angel Cabrera said, according to the Arizon Republic. “When you are trained … you are also taught the (ethical) rules of the game, followed by an oath to abide by those rules.”
The oath was initiated by students but backed by Cabrera and the oath reads:
I will strive to act with honesty and integrity,
I will respect the rights and dignity of all people,
I will strive to create sustainable prosperity worldwide,
I will oppose all forms of corruption and exploitation, and
I will take responsibility for my actions.
As I hold true to these principles, it is my hope that I may enjoy an honorable reputation and peace of conscience.
This pledge I make freely and upon my honor.
I have argued that some of the work we do with some organizations could be elimintaed if our education system focused more on teaching values and ethics. Let’s hope that Thunderbird’s initiative is the precursor for such a trend.
I am really excited to read about this pledge – mostly because it was initiated by the students themselves. I’m thinking of 2 quotes that come to mind immediately: 1) “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead and 2) “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Ghandi
These students will change the world because of their commitment. Think about what Oprah is doing in South Africa. Those girls will change the world because of the gift of education they’ve been given.
The New Year’s post on this blog said one resolution was not to tell others what their resolutions should be – that’s a great recognition that it’s more about what WE choose to do than what we TELL OTHERS to do.
These students are making this pledge “freely and upon my honor.” I’m inspired and proud!
Let’s keep living the CASTLE principles ourselves first, and then invite others into the conversation so they can be inspired to live them because THEY want to, not because it’s a requirement. Then we’ll watch the world change around us!