The Principles for Responsible Management Education

Contributing to thought and action leadership on responsible management education

The UNGC-backed Principles for Responsible Management Education were developed in 2007 by a task-force co-convened by the GRLI, EFMD, AACSB International, ABIS and Net Impact.

The GRLI encourages institutions of higher education involved in the development of current and future managers to declare their willingness to progress in the implementation of the following Principles, starting with those that are more relevant to their capacities and mission. In addition we encourage regular reporting on progress and the exchange of effective practices related to these principles with other academic institutions:

1. Purpose: We will develop the capabilities of students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.
2. Values: We will incorporate into our academic activities, curricula, and organisational practices the values of global social responsibility as portrayed in international initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact.
3. Method: We will create educational frameworks, materials, processes and environments that enable effective learning experiences for responsible leadership.
4. Research: We will engage in conceptual and empirical research that advances our understanding about the role, dynamics, and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social, environmental and economic value.
5. Partnership: We will interact with managers of business corporations to extend our knowledge of their challenges in meeting social and environmental responsibilities and to explore jointly effective approaches to meeting these challenges.
6. Dialogue: We will facilitate and support dialog and debate among educators, students, business, government, consumers, media, civil society organisations and other interested groups and stakeholders on critical issues related to global social responsibility and sustainability.

During 2016 and 2017 the GRLI co-facilitated the UNGC PRME Champions programme to further develop thought and action leadership on responsible management education in the context of the United Nations sustainable development agenda.