Honesty, integrity, trust and fairness\u2014four powerful words that do not always take the ethical precedence they should, especially when it comes to the dog-eat-dog world of business.<\/p>\n
Richard Morrison, <\/strong>a retired lawyer who graduated as part of Northern Arizona University class of 1970, has a plan to address an overlooked but important topic in higher education and beyond\u2014ethics in leadership. With his help, Northern Arizona University will \u00a0launch the Institute for Public and Professional Ethics in Leadership as part of The W. A. Franke College of Business.<\/p>\n The institute will be a trailblazer in promoting and integrating leadership ethics and ethical decision-making across NAU\u2019s many academic disciplines. The curriculum will educate NAU students, faculty and the greater community on how to apply ethics to personal and professional decisions.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are too many ethical breaches committed by leaders throughout the world. A solid background in ethics helps prepare leaders and followers to develop a high level of trust,\u201d Morrison said.\u00a0\u201cTrust, in turn, is crucial, so followers can become co-producers with their leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n The institute will strengthen NAU\u2019s quality programs in several areas of study, including forestry, hospitality, nursing, business, education and Indigenous initiatives.<\/p>\n Northern Arizona University and the institute will start as a two-year pilot project, and faculty and staff from the Franke College of Business, College of Arts and Letters and Honors College will develop the program and activities within the university and the broader community.<\/p>\n \u201cEnvironmental, social and governance (ESG) issues are at the top of most business leaders\u2019 priority list,\u201d Ashok Subramanian<\/strong>, dean and professor in The W. A. Franke College of Business, said. \u201cWhat is not as well known is that the world\u2019s most ethical companies\u2014those that have an unwavering commitment to business integrity\u2014also have the highest tangible commitment to ESG programs and initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n During the pilot, students will have the opportunity to participate in many activities, such as seminars and lecture series, workshops, public relations and marketing activities, interdisciplinary curricula, competitions and more. The common denominator for all these activities is Morrison\u2019s steadfast vision to make ethical leadership a vital ingredient of post-secondary education.<\/p>\n \u201cI wholeheartedly believe that this budding project will inspire students to be the best they can be,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u201cIn time, they will be the leaders who are relied upon, and they will serve best if, by then, ethical decision-making and ethical choices are second nature.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"