The model can also be incorporated through the creation of spaces where learnings and findings are shared, as well as through the promotion of assemblies and specific academic events, during which business schools carry out collaborative projects attuned to the same purposes of impact and humanisation. In this way, research products can be developed and inspired by the triple impact philosophy, together with a practical vision that reaches business people and sheds light on their work. Use of case studies in teaching It is essential at this point to consider the teacher as the central axis of the business school. A professor must possess an individual sense of the triple impact mentality in order to put it before a class. It is difficult to teach a concept without bringing it to life and possessing a genuine interest in it. Teaching at a business school is not simply a matter of imparting hard skills (such as finance) and soft skills (such as leadership), but about conveying the third aspect: positive impact and the humanisation of business. One way to implement this vision is via case study methodology. This simulation of reality challenges the students to question themselves and understand the impact of their decision-making on the trio of elements, thereby developing managerial judgement as part of their decision-making criteria, as well as a sense of ethics and the aim of empowering others in their professional and human development. Case studies help students develop a vision of the impact of their decisions, as well as the ability to anticipate the consequences. A business school’s curriculum, as well as its class materials and simulations, must align with the positive impact and business humanisation mentality. This can be supported, for example, through the creation of specific courses and materials that are designed to encourage these conversations, with the concept of the triple impact permeating the entire programme. The creation of training spaces for professors, based on their own interests relating to such a mentality, aligned with SDGs, can also prove key to the generation of new knowledge, both from within the classroom and through research. Consultancies can nurture companies Consultancies generate a two-way impact and benefit, between the business school and the commercial environment. Business schools generate an impact via the knowledge that
incorporates respect and genuine interest in the development of human values and virtues into decision-making, over and above the skills of knowing ‘what’ to do, and ‘how’ to do it. A mindset from the outset If oxygenation is the management mentality, then what is the role of the business school? In his article Bad management theories are destroying good management practices , Sumantra Ghoshal suggests that schools must contribute positively by preventing the Enrons of the future, for which it may be necessary to stop teaching certain courses and to create new ones. In other words, Ghoshal considers that the role of the business school is not just to provide practical and theoretical content, but to guide people into obtaining a sense of responsibility and impact. Companies can be centres of social development and human empowerment via the individual development of each person. Business schools must, therefore, ensure students’ lifelong learning, not just in a theoretical/practical context, but through a mentality that positively impacts and humanises business, as well as through training that incorporates ethical criteria into managerial decision‑making. The ‘triple impact’ philosophy of individual, company and society can be undertaken by incorporating it within the school’s mission and purpose, as well as through the school’s strategy implementation. The development of people, the promotion of human dignity and the empowerment of the individual must be seen as key aspects of the school’s DNA. Research as the basis of knowledge Research is the basis for the creation of new, rigorous and relevant knowledge for companies, the business environment and managers as decision-makers. Those models and systems that are applied to the business reality can make essential contributions and result in a positive impact. The positive impact mindset can permeate research that, at the same time, nourishes the school’s SDGs. One way to incorporate this mindset is as parameters that measure the impact of research, as well as by establishing goals and incentives that guide teachers’ actions in their research projects. Research questions can also be raised that consider the humanisation of companies, the promotion of human dignity and the evocation of a conscious capitalism that focuses on the development of the individual.
professors apply in advising and consulting companies and NGOs and forming part of the board of directors or councils. Aside from the fact
16 | Ambition | MARCH 2023
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online