Looking into the abyss: Can business education help save the planet?
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Authors
Barrett, J.
Jones, J.
Keywords
Sustainability
Education
Business schools
Education
Business schools
Description of form
Publisher
Rights
Rights holder
Issue Date
2010
Peer-reviewed status
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
The natural environment is in crisis but there is broad consensus on the need for sustainability. Myriad conceptions of sustainability reflect the variety of human traditions and ideas, and yet anthropocentric sustainable development dominates discourse. This paper argues that the fullest range of sustainability conceptions should be taught in business schools and incorporated into business education and practices. The predominant Western conception of sustainability is outlined first. Second, alternatives to anthropocentric environmentalism are sketched. Third, proposals for sustainable business education are put forward, in the context of a paucity of effective government action. These proposals draw on the possibilities for light green technological optimism, but also seek to leave sufficient space for the expression and development of alternative voices. It is concluded that a radical shift in business education could play a role in saving the planet from anthropogenic destruction.
Citation
Barrett, J., & Jones, J. (2010). Looking into the abyss: Can business education help save the planet? In New Zealand Applied Business Education Conference, Napier, New Zealand.