Going back to basics with a focus on ethics : Preparing future professionals to be effective contributors to a sustainable society

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – In recent years we have seen examples of companies whose reputations have been left damaged by their wrongdoing. Customers and employees increasingly want to do business with, or work for, ethical organizations. The increased focus on creating shareholder value has led to increased pressure on businessmen and women to make as much money as possible. Many more chances are being taken by leaders nowadays because they are required to make their organizations as profitable as possible in as short a time as possible. This raises the question, what is business for? In the early days of business schools the answer was to contribute to the well‐being of society as a whole as well as to create wealth. Business schools are starting to go back to this by teaching ethics and social responsibility on their business courses. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.