Creating responsible strategic leaders – are we for real? Launching the programme for the AMBA & BGA Global Conference 2021, Andrew Burke, Dean of Trinity College Business School, addressed the pressing challenge of how Business Schools can deliver a new breed of strategic leader for the good of the planet. He explained that this type of leader cares about climate change and the biodiversity emergency, and looks beyond business shareholders to consider all stakeholders. Such leaders are equipped with the visionary capabilities to guide organisations to embrace the positives of remote working, to adapt to the challenges of living with Covid-19, to celebrate diversity, and to foster inclusivity. But he warned that MBAs tend to be taught two simple rules: ‘Rule number one: never run out of cash. Rule number two: never break rule number one.’ Moving on to discuss the multiple threats facing our business and societal ecosystems, Burke outlined some of the challenges impacting responsible – and strategic – leaders. These, he said, include the threat of another financial crisis; climate change; the biodiversity emergency (comprising the destruction of natural habitats, and population reduction); and human rights violations by business. Burke issued delegates with a stark warning: ‘If Business Schools are to realistically attempt to deliver on this promise [of developing leaders who are strategic and responsible], they need to produce activist and entrepreneurial graduates who enable organisations to shape – rather than just respond to – market forces.’
In summing up his presentation, he offered advice to support Business School leaders: ‘Teaching ethics is not enough,’ he argued. ‘Market forces overpower good intentions.’ Instead, he suggested that Business Schools have a role in reshaping market forces to put ethics at the forefront of competition and innovation, teaching, researching and practising ethical leadership. He proposed that Schools could adopt the same position as medical schools in terms of their outreach into communities (most recently evidenced during the Covid-19 pandemic). Burke closed by suggesting that the MBA could be used as the starting point for this – a message echoed throughout the three days of conferencing. Responsible leadership – developing MBA alumni to be a global force for good In the complex and turbulent world in which we live, it is more important than ever to be adaptable and adept at problem solving. Business Schools need to build strong relationships with their alumni to ensure that they are committed lifelong learners and believe in the value of responsible and sustainable leadership. Udochuko Richson, District Sales Manager at Eli and Lilly Company, and Winner of the MBA Student of the Year Award 2020, chaired a session asking how MBAs can nurture responsible and ethical practices in the workplace, questioning two leading innovators. He asked Gaya Gamhewage, Head of Learning & Capacity Development for the World Health Organization (WHO) Health Emergencies Programme, and Sian Sutherland, Co-Founder of A Plastic Planet, whether they believe the next
ANDREW BURKE
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