This summer, while House and Senate leaders attempted to crack down on corporate fraud and restore confidence in America’s stock market, SMU’s business programs made revisions geared towards strengthening the university’s curriculum in corporate ethics.
In December, Enron filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the largest such filing in U.S. history. It not only affected corporate America, but also the SMU community.
Since the scandal hit CNN, courses, seminars, and discussion groups have been implemented to address business ethics.
Professors in the business department view the scandals as being unfortunate, but more of an opportunity to alter the way business is done in America.
Although there are approximately 100 courses on campus that incorporate an ethical component, SMU continues to expand the study of ethical conduct in light of ethical lapses among major corporations.
Two additional seminars addressing the topic have been added since the downfall of Enron, “Integrity Driven Leadership” led by Randy Pentington and “Who Can You and When Do You Trust in a Business Transaction” given by CEO and president of Capital Alliance, Edward Dodson.
As a result of the recent ethical misconduct, many SMU business students see Enron’s downfall as an opportunity to improve and uphold business ethics as they enter the corporate world.
“Students want to bring a new sense and level of integrity and energy into the business world,” said Tyler Holbrook, the Business Leadership Center co-president and business major.
The McGuire Center of Ethics and Public Responsibility is organizing a serious of discussions called “The Ethics Academia,” designed to work with students in their residence halls to provide special courses, seminars, and groups discussions focusing on what it means to be a leader and be ethical. Issues facing students such as drugs, rape, stealing and cheating will be targeted in these discussions.
Paula Hill, head of business leadership, believes building life values and life long character is the key to encouraging SMU students entering the business world to behave ethically.
