Building on our online capabilities, we have implemented simulations and gamification to augment the learning experience… on the agenda is experimentation with VR, AR and MR
to name but a few. This would not be problematic if leaders were known to speak truthfully about taking the right actions, but many of them simply are not. In terms of discernment, the misapplication of specific moral rules in particular situations is also evident.” What do you think sustainable and responsible leadership looks like? “In three words: ‘Practically wise pathfinders.’ Essentially, sustainable and responsible leaders should be able to identify and solve complex problems. They should review and synthesise information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. They should also self-direct their learning and thinking, remain relevant and help others to remain relevant. “In addition, they must use logic and reason to identify the benefits and risks of alternative solutions or approaches to problems. They must also reflect critically on assumptions about the impact of drivers of change on society and those that influence continuous, sustainable learning. “They must inspire constructive, foresight-infused dialogue that enables the emergence of innovation; adapt to internal and external changes; redirect strategic orientation and follower behaviour; tolerate uncertainty and cope in challenging situations spawned by change. “Thinking critically to develop new ideas and solutions to opportunities and challenges is also an important quality, as is the ability to shape a culture of experimentation and tolerate failure and new-purpose innovation. Such leaders also recognise and regulate emotions
in their communities. Projects should be immersive, ie at grassroots level, and engage all three modes of learning (cognitive, emotional and physical) to shift students’ perspectives. “It’s important that social responsibility is about more than corporate social investment. Business schools should focus on developing an integrated approach to social responsibility that makes meaningful interventions in the communities in which they operate.” What plans does your school have to incorporate new technology and other innovations into its programmes to future-proof its offerings? “Building on our distinctive online capabilities, we have already implemented simulations and gamification to augment the learning experience. On the agenda is experimentation with VR, AR and MR to support immersion and improve student engagement. “Another innovation we experimented with, and plan to incorporate more widely, is our approach to assessments. We argue that assessments must be experienced as an integrated part of the e-learning journey and not as a separate ‘examination’ in the traditional sense of the word. “Practical, real-life and immersive assessments have, therefore, been implemented in subjects that include social responsibility and environmental management; business ethics and corporate governance; and integrated business strategy. We have also initiated a research project to get to grips with the potential benefits and thorny issues surrounding ChatGPT.”
in themselves and others and have the emotional strength to exercise the will to accomplish goals in the face of opposition. “Lastly, they must be ethically and morally attentive, alert to moral issues for which adequate morality is yet to be established and develop new ethical norms that contribute to a better society, while challenging traditions that are no longer adequate. In this way, sustainable and responsible leaders should be able to create positive, hope-filled narratives that enable people to participate in, and benefit from, transformations and change.” How can business schools do more to address social inequality and provide opportunities for social mobility, both in South Africa and internationally? “As incubators for the development of responsible leaders and management practitioners, business schools should purposefully empower students to understand the influence and impact of business enterprises and their responsibilities from a social perspective. “This implies examining the social and ethical issues faced by business, providing executives, managers and leaders with a theoretically underpinned analytical perspective on social responsibility and enabling them to critically assess social responsibility issues, initiatives, drivers and responses. “Students must recognise that current forms of economic activity are either unsustainable or will at least be subject to a wider raft of ethical and social constraints in the future. As an example, business schools could do more to encourage social projects run by students
22 | Ambition | MARCH 2023
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