THE OATH PROJECT The MBA Oath

Agenda Introductions Business as a profession History of the MBA Oath The Oath Project Overview Goals of the project How it works Questions Resources

Is Business a Profession? How can we turn business into a true profession? Professions like law and medicine require: formal educations licensing exams and other requirements enforceable codes of conduct

History of the business oath 1900: MBA programs around the world are created to professionalize the practice of business. 2002: INSEAD and a few other schools adopt an oath – but only for a few years. 2004: Thunderbird adopts their own oath 2008: Harvard Business School article spurs interest in the Oath during the Financial Crisis 2009: The MBA Oath launches, an MBA led nonprofit 2009: The Oath Project launches, an independent nonprofit organization

The Oath Project What is it? The Oath Project represents a single powerful face for several organizations and individuals who committed themselves to advancing the concept of the Oath. What is its the mission? One day, all business leaders will hold themselves to the higher standard of integrity and service to society that is the hallmark of a true professional. Who are its partners? World Economic Forum's Young Global Leaders, the MBA Oath, the Aspen Institute,the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education, the UN Global Compact, and the Association of Professionals in Business Management.World Economic Forum's Young Global Leadersthe MBA Oaththe Aspen Institutethe UN Principles for Responsible Management Educationthe UN Global CompactAssociation of Professionals in Business Management

The Oath As a business leader I recognize my role in society. My purpose is to lead people and manage resources to create value that no single individual can create alone. My decisions affect the well-being of individuals inside and outside my enterprise, today and tomorrow. Therefore, I promise that: I will manage my enterprise with loyalty and care, and will not advance my personal interests at the expense of my enterprise or society. I will understand and uphold, in letter and spirit, the laws and contracts governing my conduct and that of my enterprise. I will refrain from corruption, unfair competition, or business practices harmful to society. I will protect the human rights and dignity of all people affected by my enterprise, and I will oppose discrimination and exploitation. I will protect the right of future generations to advance their standard of living and enjoy a healthy planet. I will report the performance and risks of my enterprise accurately and honestly. I will invest in developing myself and others, helping the management profession continue to advance and create sustainable and inclusive prosperity. In exercising my professional duties according to these principles, I recognize that my behavior must set an example of integrity, eliciting trust and esteem from those I serve. I will remain accountable to my peers and to society for my actions and for upholding these standards. This oath I make freely, and upon my honor.

Living the Oath The Oath Project is actively developing a series of these habits that will allow oath takers to truly live the oath. Such practices may include: Personal reflection on commitment Use existing starting points to ground your work Designate a lifeline The power of groups

Goals of the Project What are we looking for? 30+ school leadership affiliates 2-3 ambassadors to encourage their fellow students to consider taking the Oath By June 2010, have 10,000 oath-takers! How can you get involved in this movement?

How it works Students can create addendums to the oath to represent values of their school A voluntary oath ceremony is organized either as part of graduation or as a separate ceremony $5,000 in cash prizes for: - Innovative outreach - Percentage of class that signs

Questions?

Websites and Articles - The Oath Project website: - Net Impact’s Oath Project website: - Resources and Articles: Highlights : - Harvard article: profession/ar/1http://hbr.org/2008/10/its-time-to-makemanagement-a-true profession/ar/1 - BusinessWeek: _ htm _ htm - Daily Show: /mba-ethics-oathhttp:// 2009/mba-ethics-oath