What’s new in the works for your classes?
We have been working hard to strengthen our consideration of ethics and social responsibility in BUS 360. Along with Dr. Bloom-Groshong, who also teaches 360, I have been working to strengthen our understanding of applied ethics in the workplace; we are simultaneously addressing classical ethical frameworks alongside modern topics such as sexual harassment and sustainable entrepreneurship, to equip our graduates with the ability to be ethical leaders throughout their lives.
What are the biggest changes you are witnessing in business today?
In my research on organizational sense making, especially in the wine industry, I am seeing an intensifying interest in sustainable business. This does not mean simply sustainability regarding use of resources such as energy, though that is certainly an important focus for many in contemporary business. What we have been witnessing is a sincere interest in principled entrepreneurship at a scale that seeks more than just maximized profits—entrepreneurs are increasingly interested in finding ways to provide for their families at a scale that does not overwhelm them or require great sacrifices to other meaningful parts of their lives, such as spending time with loved ones and living balanced lives. Examples of such an interest in sustainable entrepreneurship would include a growing attraction to craft industries—including brewing and winemaking—and the downsizing of operations at families shift leadership of family-owned operations to younger generations, who may not be as interested in running the operations at the current scale and are seeking a more sustainable level of operations that will still provide for their needs but allow for more balance in their personal lives. As we are becoming more adept at reducing, reusing, and recycling in our businesses, we are also learning that smaller scales may offer unique benefits to our families and communities. It is exciting to see and support these efforts in the market and to help our students become leaders for sustainability.