Raising The Bar In Troubled Times: Business Goals Of Our Future Leaders

Abstract

In times of international terrorism, corporate corruption and economic uneasiness, it is easy to become cynical and jaded regarding the ethical, legal and social responsibilities of American business.  A survey of management students however provides cause for optimism.   According to the survey they perceive responsibilities towards employees and society, respecting ethical norms and staying within the law to be ‘moderately’ to ‘very’ important goals to the typical American business person and consider these same goals ‘very’ to ‘of utmost’ importance to themselves. Over the period of the study ‘personal wealth’ and ‘honor, face, reputation’ have decreased in importance while ‘patriotism and national pride’ has increased.  This indicates that despite world events our future business leaders intend to raise the bar regarding issues of corporate performance and social responsibility.