Business Ethics Education and the Pragmatic Pursuit of the Good

This book is an extended argument for the critical importance which justice and ethical leadership should have in business ethics education. The book examines the history of ideas and purposes in education, the contemporary role of business schools, and the social foundations of moral education to conclude that the pragmatic pursuit of the good must be a central aim of business strategy. To meet the challenges of facing society today, the masters of business must be moral craftsmen in a just and democratic private property economy that serves the common good. The author grounds this vision for business leadership in the centrality of systems of exchange in human society, in generating prosperity and providing for the general welfare. Business ethics education has focused primarily on moral formation of individual leaders and managers in the context of ethical codes, organizational culture, and legal compliance. Important as this approach is, it fails to generate a sufficient level of business responsibility to satisfy legitimate social concerns regarding the use of natural resources, environmental sustainability, reasonable limitation of systemic risk in capital markets, and fair allocation of goods and services. If the social purpose of business is not intentionally embraced and diligently pursued, the economy may enrich a few but impoverish the society, its resources, and its democracy. Hence this book argues for a new vision of business ethics that is grounded in public accountability of business operations and outcomes for the common good, as a matter of justice.

Francis J. Schweigert serves as professor in the College of Management at Metropolitan State University and director of master’s programs in Public and Nonprofit Administration, Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and Public Administration. His primary areas of teaching and research are nonprofit governance and management, public and business ethics, restorative justice, and evaluation. Prior to coming to Metropolitan State University in 2006, Frank worked at the Northwest Area Foundation as a community liaison to regional development projects and as the lead for research and program evaluation. He continues to be active as a volunteer mediator and circle keeper in dispute resolution and restorative justice.

Frank earned his doctorate in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota in 1997, focusing on the social and philosophical foundations of education. He has published numerous articles and chapters on business ethics, public ethics, evaluation, leadership, and restorative justice. His current research focuses on public ethics and business ethics education, especially business contributions to the public good as a matter of justice.