ArticlePDF Available

Abstract and Figures

The authors offer an exploratory glimpse into the perceived effectiveness of learning approaches presently being used to teach students about sustainability in a business school setting. Sustainability is a topic of growing importance in business and business education. Using teaching approaches generated through self-reports related to the Principles for Responsible Management Education, a student population was used to determine which of these learning approaches are perceived as most effective. Students perceived sustainability to be important for businesses, and agreed that they would prefer to work for a company that embraces sustainability as a core value.
Content may be subject to copyright.
This article was downloaded by: [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine]
On: 04 April 2012, At: 08:52
Publisher: Routledge
Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House,
37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Journal of Education for Business
Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information:
http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/vjeb20
Effective Learning Approaches for Sustainability: A
Student Perspective
Laura Erskine a & Scott D. Johnson a
a Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
Available online: 29 Mar 2012
To cite this article: Laura Erskine & Scott D. Johnson (2012): Effective Learning Approaches for Sustainability: A Student
Perspective, Journal of Education for Business, 87:4, 198-205
To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08832323.2011.590162
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE
Full terms and conditions of use: http://www.tandfonline.com/page/terms-and-conditions
This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic
reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to
anyone is expressly forbidden.
The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents
will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae, and drug doses should
be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims,
proceedings, demand, or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in
connection with or arising out of the use of this material.
JOURNAL OF EDUCATION FOR BUSINESS, 87: 198–205, 2012
Copyright C
Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 0883-2323 print / 1940-3356 online
DOI: 10.1080/08832323.2011.590162
Effective Learning Approaches for Sustainability:
A Student Perspective
Laura Erskine and Scott D. Johnson
Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA
The authors offer an exploratory glimpse into the perceived effectiveness of learning ap-
proaches presently being used to teach students about sustainability in a business school
setting. Sustainability is a topic of growing importance in business and business education.
Using teaching approaches generated through self-reports related to the Principles for Re-
sponsible Management Education, a student population was used to determine which of these
learning approaches are perceived as most effective. Students perceived sustainability to be im-
portant for businesses, and agreed that they would prefer to work for a company that embraces
sustainability as a core value.
Keywords: attitudes, perceptions, PRME, students, sustainability
The concept of sustainability continues to gain acceptance
in the business community and business education is be-
ginning to recognize the importance of sustainability in the
curriculum (Grayson, 2010). Corporations such as Target,
3M, Wal-Mart, Nestl´
e, Nike, Kraft, P&G, and GE (among
others) are recognizing the need to incorporate sustainability
into their corporate culture (Seidman, 2008; Wasik, 2010).
They recognize that sustainability is an essential component
of long-term profitability. Consumers and suppliers in the
demand and supply chains have a growing consciousness
of the importance of incorporating sustainable concepts in
products, practices, and core values.
A goal of this exploratory empirical study is to provide
an initial perspective of how undergraduate business stu-
dents at one large Midwestern university evaluate learning
approaches in the context of sustainability. The learning ap-
proaches studied are drawn from the self-reports of business
schools reporting their pedagogical experiences as members
of business schools that support UN Principles of Respon-
sible Management Education (PRME). The various learning
approaches for sustainability in the curriculum are then eval-
uated by a student sample as to the perceived effectiveness
of each approach. Findings based on student majors are a
part of the analysis and the importance of sustainability in
Correspondence should be addressed to Laura Erskine, Illinois State Uni-
versity, Department of Management and Quantitative Methods, 410 S. Uni-
versity Avenue, Normal, IL 61790–5500, USA. E-mail: lerskin@ilstu.edu
business and for students personally is reported followed by
a discussion of the findings.
PRINCIPLES FOR RESPONSIBLE
MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
PRME originated in 2007 through the United Nations with
the goal of having an impact on management education by
calling for the incorporation of positive values in curric-
ula and research at business schools (Principles for Respon-
sible Management Education, n.d.). Many accrediting and
certifying organizations associations including the Associa-
tion to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International
(AACSB), European Foundation for Management Develop-
ment, the Aspen Institute, the Academy of Business in Soci-
ety, the Globally Responsible Leadership Initiative, and Net
Impact all worked together to draft the six principles. The
principles emerged in part as a response to the criticism lev-
eled at businesses and business schools in the early part of the
21st century. These criticisms ranged from focusing on max-
imizing shareholder value and advocating for tight controls
to prevent opportunistic behavior (Ghoshal, 2005) to trans-
forming business education to a science and thereby denying
moral and ethical considerations (Ghoshal). In speaking of
the rise of the economic perspective in business schools,
Gioia (2002) wrote, “for all the good that economic perspec-
tives do, they nonetheless emphasize a view of the world
in dollars, profits, returns, etc., which de-emphasizes other
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
EFFECTIVE LEARNING, SUSTAINABILITY 199
ways in which we might conceptualize the responsibilities of
business” (p. 143).
The first of the six principles is “we will develop the
capabilities of students to be future generators of sustain-
able value for business and society at large and to work
for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.” The
five other related PRME principles include global social
responsibility, responsible leadership, research in sustain-
able social–environmental–economic value, interaction with
managers to share experiences, and support dialog related to
global social responsibility.
This study is therefore an early look at what business
schools are doing in response to their pledge to embrace the
sustainability dimension of the PRME principles. In addi-
tion, we are reporting on the learning approaches that stu-
dents believe are the most effective within the context of one
university.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABILITY?
There is growing awareness in the business community and
among academics in business schools about sustainability.
Economic growth and development is considered sustain-
able when “it meets the needs of the present generation with-
out compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987, p. 8). Al-
though the concept of sustainability is built on a foundation
of concern for the natural environment, it gives equal atten-
tion to the concern for human and economic development.
This definition suggests, “assuming the reality and severity
of environmental threats, that the only actions that are ac-
ceptable for organizations are simultaneously economically
profitable (or at least break-even), environmentally sound,
and socially just” (Rands, 2009, p. 299). Organizations are
beginning to recognize this tripartite approach of economic,
environmental, and social values as a triple bottom line
(Elkington, 1998).
EVOLVING PERSPECTIVES IN MANAGEMENT
EDUCATION
Business schools tend to teach theories and models that em-
phasize shareholder value and the idea that organizations
need to compete not only with their competitors but also
with their own stakeholders, such as their employees, cus-
tomers, and suppliers. Some have argued that by propagating
ideologically inspired amoral theories, business schools are
actively freeing students from a sense of corporate respon-
sibility in society (Ghoshal, 2005). This assumption is well
documented (Pfeffer, 2005) and there is a growing interest in
the evolving attitudes and values of business students. The
Aspen Institute has made great strides to track the attitudes
of MBA students at a small number of schools to assess
longitudinal changes (Aspen Institute, 2001, 2003, 2008),
but there is little empirical evidence about the perceived ef-
fectiveness of different strategies used to impact business
education students’ attitudes about sustainability, especially
in undergraduate populations.
Although sustainability is an important issue to the UN
Global Compact and on the corporate agenda (Nicholson
& DeMoss, 2009), many faculty members still do not feel
they have the proper training to teach about topics broadly
related to corporate social responsibility and if they do, this
would have to come at the expense of foregoing important
technical material (Dean & Beggs, 2006). However, Gioia
(2002) asserted, of the idea that faculty can affect a student’s
ethical framework,
Many of us seem to hold the assumption that we have little
effect on our students’ ethics—that their ethics are essentially
incorrigible by the time they show up on our doorsteps . . .
Why on earth would we assume that, when we assume that
we can influence so many other educational values and ori-
entations? (p. 142)
The principles put forth in PRME are inherently based
in an ethical framework that promotes active discussion and
action related to sustainability and corporate social respon-
sibility. In this context, we might reasonably believe that the
framers of PRME are concluding that knowledge, attitudes,
and behavior can be shaped.
SUSTAINABILITY IN MANAGEMENT
EDUCATION
Sustainability is a relatively new area in management schol-
arship and in management education. However, studies have
shown, for example, that there is evidence of a positive cor-
relation between stock price and sustainable business prac-
tices (Holliday, 2010; Seidman, 2008; Waddock & Graves,
1997). Sustainable practices may even offer a new proxy
for management performance (Bradbury, 2003; Nicholson &
DeMoss, 2009). In addition, as regulatory compliance be-
comes more complex and costly, sustainable practices may
enable organizations to comply more readily with these
stricter and more comprehensive regulations (Rands, 2009).
By broadening their vision to sustainable development, busi-
ness leaders are recognizing the impact of the organization on
the social and natural environment. Similarly, if businesses
are embracing a triple bottom line, business schools need
to prepare students for triple-bottom-line thinking. Compa-
nies are being recognized and are therefore benefitting from
new products, services, and processes that may lessen their
environmental impact (Bradbury).
Sustainability is not a concept that is embraced in
isolation by one firm or one industry. Bradbury (2003)
noted that to meet present needs without penalizing future
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
200 L. ERSKINE AND S. D. JOHNSON
generations, organizations must work together. This is
particularly important for business students, as they will
be involved in shaping organizations in this new context
(Bridges & Wilhelm, 2008; L¨
ams¨
a, Vehkaper¨
a, Puttonen, &
Pesonen, 2007). Most importantly for business education,
employers are demanding that business school graduates
be trained in issues of social responsibility (Nicholson &
DeMoss, 2009). A more focused view of sustainability and
corporate social responsibility may demand longer time-
frames, community-based initiatives, and bioregional models
rather than organization-based models (Kearins & Springett,
2003).
Business schools can play an important role in sustain-
ability education by fostering the awareness, understanding,
and concern that might motivate students to take action in
their personal and organizational lives to facilitate environ-
mentally sustainable behavior (Rands, 2009). Students at the
top 30 business schools are being exposed to social and en-
vironmental issues in 25% of their coursework, compared to
8% for the remaining schools (Bridges & Wilhelm, 2008).
Scholars in management (Rands, 2009; Rusinko, 2010), mar-
keting (Bridges & Wilhelm), and accounting (Fleischman &
Schuele, 2006) are encouraging an increased focus on the
need for a sustainability curriculum in management educa-
tion.
Business schools are increasingly concerned about how
to demonstrate that learning outcomes are being met. As sus-
tainability begins to be embraced at the mission level and at
the learning outcome level, understanding what is most effec-
tive from the student perspective can be valuable for building
mature assessment practices. Chad Holliday, the former CEO
of DuPont, argued that sustainability is gaining traction and
must be integrated into business school courses as practi-
cal, hands-on experiences are the best ways for students to
learn (Holliday, 2010). Others (Alcaraz & Thiruvattal, 2010;
Bridges & Wilhelm, 2008; Fleischman & Schuele, 2006)
agree with the Holliday perspective, but there is also an argu-
ment to take a slow, incremental approach to sustainability
issues in business education (e.g., Rusinko, 2010). In either
approach we have little data from a student perspective to un-
derstand student perceptions of what are the most effective
approaches to learning about sustainability.
THE IMPORTANCE OF STUDENT
PREFERENCES
Student acceptance has been shown to be an important key to
the successful implementation of new programs (Martins &
Kellermanns, 2004). We also know that activities that match
student preferences heighten their chances for successful out-
comes because when students have a favorable attitude, they
also engage more deeply and experience more positive out-
comes (Clarke, Flaherty, & Mottner, 2001; Farias, Farias,
& Fairfield, 2010; Taylor, Humphreys, Singley, & Hunter,
2004). There is a robust relationship between motivation
or willingness to learn and actual learning (Cole, Feild, &
Harris, 2004; Karns, 2005; Zocco, 2009). Although educa-
tors may create opportunities based on what students should
learn, it is ultimately the student that makes decisions about
attendance, preparation, and participation (Eastman, Iyer, &
Eastman, 2011). Learning more about what students think are
the most effective ways to learn about sustainability should
help shape the discussion for structure within courses, cur-
ricular content, and offerings outside of the classroom expe-
rience.
METHOD
Our primary goal in doing this exploratory research was to
more clearly understand the perceived effectiveness of learn-
ing strategies about sustainability from a student perspective.
During August 2010, all 125 publicly available PRME Shar-
ing of Information on Progress (SIP) reports were content
analyzed for approaches used to introduce sustainability-
related PRME ideas into business school offerings. Members
of PRME publicly shared their progress reports on the PRME
website. The submitted SIP reports analyzed offered a wide
range of practices. The analysis revealed 35 unique learn-
ing approaches. Judgment was used to shape the categories
based on a wide range of reporting styles. It should be noted
that we analyzed only those reports that were submitted in
English.
Procedure
Based on the identified learning approaches, we created a
questionnaire to learn about student attitudes toward the ef-
fectiveness of each approach. In addition, the questionnaire
included questions about the importance of sustainability as
well as classification questions. We prefaced the question-
naire with the following definition and explanation:
Sustainability is an emerging concept in business education.
Sustainability has been defined as: “meeting the needs of
the present generation without compromising the ability of
future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable business practices therefore are business ap-
proaches and strategies that would meet the needs of the
present generation without compromising the ability of fu-
ture generations to meet their own needs. The following ques-
tions focus on your perceptions of the effectiveness of various
approaches to learning about sustainable business practices.
Sample
We recruited a convenience sample of 183 business students
at a large, public Midwestern university. The profile of the
institution is that of college students of traditional ages. In
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
EFFECTIVE LEARNING, SUSTAINABILITY 201
this context, 93% of the respondents were between the ages
of 18 and 23. The remaining 7% of respondents were age 24
or older. Work experience for the respondents indicated that
55% had no full-time work experience, whereas 29% had 1–2
years of work experience and 17% had three or more years of
work experience. Women comprised 51% of the respondents
whereas men comprised 49% of respondents. The distribu-
tion of identified majors in the sample was representative of
all 10 majors (accountancy, integrated bachelor–master of
professional accountancy, business administration, business
information systems, business teacher education, finance, in-
surance, international business, management, and market-
ing) offered in the business school and approximated the
proportion of actual majors. The sample represented the de-
mographic characteristics on the undergraduate population.
RESULTS
The perceived effectiveness of the 35 approaches to learn-
ing about sustainability from a student perspective in busi-
ness courses and extracurricular activities is summarized in
TABLE 1
Perceived Effectiveness of Learning About Sustainability
Perceived effectiveness of learning approaches MSDn
Most effective learning approaches (aggregate M=3.83)
Sustainability-related scholarships 3.90 1.00 144
Sustainability integrated into various classes 3.89 0.85 183
Internships related to sustainable business practices 3.89 1.01 166
Sustainability-related business simulations in class 3.86 0.92 146
Sustainability practices implemented at the university level 3.81 0.95 158
International opportunities to learn about sustainability 3.76 1.01 144
More effective learning approaches (aggregate M=3.60)
A field trip away from campus to learn about sustainability 3.73 1.03 159
Points for student involvement in sustainability projects 3.71 0.98 146
Case studies in classes about sustainability 3.69 0.95 183
Guest speakers in classes to discuss sustainability 3.67 1.01 181
Invited lectures by experts in sustainability 3.67 1.02 166
Enhanced environmentally friendly (“green”) initiatives on campus 3.65 1.07 153
A sustainable business institute in the college 3.60 0.91 154
Sustainability learning goals within existing courses 3.60 1.06 145
Student team projects related to sustainability 3.59 1.12 166
Elective course in sustainability offered for students 3.58 1.02 183
A new degree program in sustainability within the college 3.54 1.04 159
Student research studies about sustainability 3.53 0.96 158
Mentoring program to help school children learn about sustainability 3.53 1.00 144
A career fair about sustainability jobs 3.52 1.03 153
Student organizations targeting sustainability projects 3.52 0.95 146
Workshops with faculty–business people to discuss sustainability issues 3.51 0.97 152
Midlevel effective learning approaches (aggregate M=3.40)
Independent study projects offered in sustainability 3.46 0.98 158
Student competitions in classes about sustainability 3.43 1.07 182
A student club focused on sustainability 3.40 1.04 166
Sustainability certificate offered to students 3.39 1.14 165
Sustainability incorporated into the mission of the college 3.35 1.22 143
Less effective learning approaches (aggregate M=3.13)
Required sustainability course for all students in college 3.25 1.08 183
A conference focused on sustainability 3.13 1.02 166
A film series focused on sustainability issues 3.13 1.10 144
Student panel discussion pertaining to sustainability 3.11 0.98 153
Alumni network projects related to sustainability 3.01 1.00 146
Least effective learning approaches (aggregate M=2.70)
Social night for students to discuss sustainability issues 2.82 1.01 159
Online webinars related to sustainability 2.69 1.07 145
A pledge taken by students to observe sustainability practices 2.60 1.14 152
Note. The prompt provided was: “Assume you will be learning about sustainability business practices in your business courses and in extracurricular
activities. Please rate how EFFECTIVE you would perceive each of the following approaches in learning about sustainability.” Responses were rated ona
5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (very ineffective)to5(very effective).
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
202 L. ERSKINE AND S. D. JOHNSON
TABLE 2
Perceived Effectiveness of Learning About Sustainability, by Major
MSDn
Top five: Finance/accounting majors
Sustainability integrated into various classes 3.91 0.78 54
Internships related to sustainable business practices 3.91 0.90 54
Sustainability-related business simulations in class 3.91 0.78 54
Sustainability practices implemented at the University level 3.85 0.86 53
Sustainability-related scholarships 3.78 0.95 54
Top five: Management majors
Sustainability-related scholarships 4.00 1.06 54
Internships related to sustainable business practices 3.85 1.20 54
Case studies in classes about sustainability 3.81 0.80 54
Sustainability integrated into various classes 3.80 1.00 54
Sustainability-related business simulations in class 3.74 1.07 54
Top five: Marketing majors
Sustainability integrated into various classes 4.14 0.69 29
Points for student involvement in sustainability projects 4.03 0.82 29
Internships related to sustainable business practices 3.90 1.05 29
Sustainability-related business simulations in class 3.90 0.90 29
Sustainability practices implemented at the university level 3.90 0.94 29
Note. The prompt was the following: “Assume you will be learning about sustainability business practices in your business courses and in extracurricular
activities. Please rate how EFFECTIVE you would perceive each of the following approaches in learning about sustainability.” Responses were rated ona
5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (very ineffective)to5(very effective).
Table 1. The perceived effectiveness of the various ap-
proaches ranged from a high of 3.90 to a low of 2.60 in which
a higher value indicates perceived higher effectiveness of the
learning approaches.
The six most effective learning approaches for sustain-
ability include sustainability-related scholarships, integrat-
ing sustainability into various classes, internships related to
sustainable business practices, using sustainability related
business simulations in class, sustainability-related practices
implemented at the university level, and international oppor-
tunities to learn about sustainability.
Table 1 is also organized to show five groupings of learn-
ing approaches from most effective to least effective. These
groupings provide insight into the perceived relative im-
portance of the various learning approaches. However, the
groupings should not be construed as being intrinsically more
or less beneficial to students. The identified aggregate means
for each group are noted in parentheses. A test comparing
these aggregate means resulted in each aggregate mean be-
ing significantly different from every other aggregate mean
at the <.01 level. In this sense, although the groupings are
somewhat arbitrary, they do provide a basis for discussing
relative perceived effectiveness.
Table 2 shows the perceived effectiveness of different
approaches broken down by reported student major. Three
common learning approaches appear in all of the majors: in-
ternships, simulations, and integration into various courses.
All of the three items listed also appear in the most effective
learning approaches for sustainability, as noted in Table 1.
Sample size for each of these items varies due to some non-
respondents in these questions. In addition, although other
majors were identified, sample size began to diminish, so
only the three largest majors are reported.
Student attitudes about the importance of sustainability in
business and preferences for working for a company that em-
braced sustainability as a core value were also investigated.
In addition, self-reported knowledge of sustainability and the
importance to the student of the topic of sustainability were
TABLE 3
Attitudes Toward Sustainability
Sustainability attitudes MSDn
I would prefer to work for a company that embraces sustainability 3.95 .78 136
as a core value.
Sustainability is an important topic in business. 3.94 .81 136
Sustainability is an important topic to me. 3.54 .94 136
I am very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business. 2.97 1.00 136
Note. Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert-type scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree)to5(strongly agree).
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
EFFECTIVE LEARNING, SUSTAINABILITY 203
TABLE 4
Attitudes Toward Sustainability
Sustainability attitudes % Agree % Strongly agree
%Agree&
strongly agree
Sustainability is an important topic in business. 56 22 78
I would prefer to work for a company that embraces sustainability as a core value. 45 26 71
Sustainability is an important topic to me. 34 16 50
I am very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business. 31 4 35
assessed. Table 3 indicates that students tend to agree that
they would prefer to work for a company that embraces sus-
tainability as a core value (3.95) and that sustainability is
an important topic in business (3.94). However, it is inter-
esting to note that we found a relatively lower value for the
statement “sustainability is important to me” (3.54). Finally,
almost half of the students felt they lacked knowledge about
sustainability issues in business (2.97).
In breaking out some of the responses beyond the mean
scores, Table 4 reports findings that offer a more detailed look
at responses. Interestingly, 78% of the respondents agreed
that sustainability is an important topic in business while
71% agreed that they would prefer to work for a company
that embraced sustainability as a core value. By contrast,
50% of respondents agreed that sustainability was important
to them and only 35% of respondents agreed that they were
very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business.
Table 5 reports findings on attitudes toward sustainability
by major. Marketing students appear more likely to feel that
sustainability is an important topic in business (83%) and
report more often that they would like to work for a company
that embraces sustainability (83%). Finance and accounting
students are least likely to agree that sustainability is impor-
tant to them (41%) and that they are knowledgeable about
sustainability issues (28%).
DISCUSSION
The research findings presented offer an exploratory glimpse
into the present learning approaches that PRME signatories
are utilizing in their effort to teach students about sustain-
ability. The 35 learning approaches should not be construed
as an exhaustive list going forward. Rather it is a snapshot of
what is being tried now as business schools begin to embrace
the mandates of the principles of responsible management in
the area of sustainability. This list will naturally change and
evolve as is the way of all curricula.
The findings show that some learning approaches are
considered to be significantly more or less effective to an
undergraduate population. The five identified groupings can
assist faculty and curriculum teams in formulating discus-
sions about categories of learning approaches that students
might consider more effective. Although it is certainly true
TABLE 5
Attitudes Toward Sustainability, by Major
Sustainability attitudes % Agree % Strongly agree
%Agree&
strongly agree
Finance/accounting
Sustainability is an important topic in business. 59 19 78
I would prefer to work for a company that embraces sustainability as a core value. 50 22 72
Sustainability is an important topic to me. 32 9 41
I am very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business. 26 4 28
Management
Sustainability is an important topic in business. 50 24 74
I would prefer to work for a company that embraces 32 30 62
Sustainability as a core value.
Sustainability is an important topic to me. 33 22 55
I am very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business. 33 6 39
Marketing
Sustainability is an important topic in business. 59 24 83
I would prefer to work for a company that embraces 59 24 83
Sustainability as a core value.
Sustainability is an important topic to me. 41 17 58
I am very knowledgeable about sustainability issues in business. 35 3 38
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
204 L. ERSKINE AND S. D. JOHNSON
that some faculty members may discount the preferred
learning approaches embraced by students, student feedback
regarding the perceived effectiveness of various learning
approaches may give insight into ways to close the gap
between present student knowledge and the growing
importance placed on sustainability by the corporate world.
Because sustainability is, by its nature, a concept and topic
that calls for action, the active learning approaches preferred
by students may be more valuable in this emerging focus of
business inquiry.
We note that many of the more effective approaches can
be described as active learning, whereas many of the least
effective approaches can be described as passive learning.
This finding supports the practical hands on approach fa-
vored by Holliday (2010). Active learning describes activ-
ities that involve the students in doing things and thinking
about the things they are doing. These can be divided into ex-
periences (doing) and reflection and include such examples
as debates, role-plays, cases, simulations, service learning,
situational observations, authentic projects, and reflective pa-
pers (Wingfield & Black, 2005). In contrast, passive learning
occurs when students are receiving information and ideas
(Richlin, 2006). Active learning has been shown to better
prepare students to make meaningful contributions at work
(Wingfield & Black).
Undergraduate students tend to agree that sustainability
is an important topic in business. When diligent students
know what is important in business, whether such items are
technical skills or soft skills, these students will seek out
ways to become more knowledgeable about such topics. It is
therefore likely that student demand for learning experiences
related to sustainability topics will increase in the coming
years. Business schools that are responsive to student inter-
ests and student expectations are likely to offer a growing
array of options to students to help them become knowledge-
able and engaged in sustainability initiatives and activities.
Both in-class exercises and out of class opportunities will be
valued by students.
A limitation of the study is that it is exploratory in nature.
Although exploratory research can offer new insights into
emerging trends, it may lack the foundation that comes from
numerous prior empirical students. In addition, the findings
represent one university sample and are focused on an un-
dergraduate population. A population of graduate students
or a broader representation of nontraditional students may
provide different judgments of effective learning approaches
in the context of sustainability.
Recruiters should take note that more than half of the
students surveyed would prefer to work for a company
that embraces sustainability. This study shows that under-
graduates think the business community values sustain-
ability yet these same students are aware that they do
not yet have a highly developed base of knowledge about
sustainability. By implementing some of the approaches
perceived as most effective by this student population,
business schools may be able to more fully prepare stu-
dents for an era in which sustainability is a key strategic
priority.
REFERENCES
Alcaraz, J. M., & Thiruvattal, E. (2010). An interview with Manuel Escud-
ero. The United Nations’ principles for responsible management educa-
tion: A global call for sustainability. Academy of Management Learning
& Education,9, 542–550.
Aspen Institute. (2001). Where will they lead 2001X? MBA student attitudes
about business and society. New York, NY: Aspen Institute Business and
Society Program.
Aspen Institute. (2003). Where will they lead 2003? MBA student attitudes
about business and society. New York, NY: Aspen Institute Business and
Society Program.
Aspen Institute. (2008). Where will they lead 2008? MBA student attitudes
about business and society. New York, NY: Aspen Institute Business and
Society Program.
Bradbury, H. (2003). Sustaining inner and outer worlds: A whole-systems
approach to developing sustainable business practices in management.
Journal of Management Education,27, 172–187.
Bridges, C. M., & Wilhelm, W. B. (2008). Going beyond green: The “why
and how” of integrating sustainability into the marketing curriculum.
Journal of Marketing Education,30, 33–46.
Brundtland Commission. (1987). Our common future: Report of the World
Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford, England: Oxford
University Press.
Clarke, I., Flaherty, T. B., & Mottner, S. (2001). Student perceptions
of educational technology tools. Journal of Marketing Education,23,
169–177.
Cole, M. S., Feild, H. S., & Harris, S. G. (2004). Student learning motivation
and psychological hardiness: Interactive effects on students’ reactions to
a management class. Academy of Management Learning & Education,3,
64–85.
Dean, K. L., & Beggs, J. M. (2006). University professors and teaching
ethics: Conceptualizations and expectations. Journal of Management Ed-
ucation,30, 15–44.
Eastman, J. K., Iyer, R., & Eastman, K. L. (2011). Business students’ per-
ceptions, attitudes, and satisfaction with interactive technology: An ex-
ploratory study. Journal of Education for Business,86, 36–43.
Elkington, J. (1998). Cannibals with forks: The triple bottom line of 21st
Century business. Gabriola Island, British Columbia, Canada: New Soci-
ety.
Farias, G., Farias, C. M., & Fairfield, K. D. (2010). Teacher as judge or
partner: The dilemma of grades versus learning. Journal of Education for
Business,85, 336–342.
Fleischman, R. K., & Schuele, K. (2006). Green accounting: A primer.
Journal of Accounting Education,24, 35–66.
Ghoshal, S. (2005). Bad management theories are destroying good man-
agement practices. Academy of Management Learning & Education,4,
75–91.
Gioia, D. A. (2002). Business education’s role in the crisis of corporate
confidence. The Academy of Management Executive,16, 142–144.
Grayson, D. (2010, October 3). Schools ignore sustainability revolution. Fi-
nancial Times. Retrieved from http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/63cf95b0-
cd5f-lldf-ab20-00144feab49a.html#axzz10HXe4iig
Holliday, S. (2010). The relationship between sustainability education and
business: An interview with Chad Holliday. Academy of Management
Learning & Education,9, 532–541.
Karns, G. L. (2005). An update of marketing student perceptions of learning
activities: Structure, preferences, and effectiveness. Journal of Marketing
Education,27, 163–171.
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
EFFECTIVE LEARNING, SUSTAINABILITY 205
Kearins, K., & Springett, D. (2003). Educating for sustainability: Devel-
oping critical skills. Journal of Management Education,27, 188–204.
doi:10.1177/1052562903251411
L¨
ams¨
a, A.-M., Vehkaper¨
a, M., Puttonen, T., & Pesonen, H.-L. (2007). Ef-
fect of business education on women and men students’ attitudes on
corporate responsibility in society. Journal of Business Ethics,82, 45–
58.
Martins, L. L., & Kellermanns, F. W. (2004). A modelof business school stu-
dents’ acceptance of a web-based course management system. Academy
of Management Learning & Education,3, 7–26.
Nicholson, C. Y., & DeMoss, M. (2009). Teaching ethics and so-
cial responsibility: An evaluation of undergraduate business educa-
tion at the discipline level. Journal of Education for Business,84,
213–218.
Pfeffer, J. (2005). Why do bad management theories persist? A comment on
Ghoshal. Academy of Management Learning & Education,4, 96–100.
Principles for Responsible Management Education. (n.d.). The six
principles of responsible management education. Retrieved from
http://www.unprme.org/the-6-principles/index.php
Rands, G. P. (2009). A principle-attribute matrix for environmentally sus-
tainable management education and its application. Journal of Manage-
ment Education,33, 296–322.
Richlin, L. (2006). Blueprint for learning: Constructing college courses to
facilitate, assess, and document learning. Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Rusinko, C. A. (2010). Integrating sustainability in management and busi-
ness education: A matrix approach. Academy of Management Learning
& Education,9, 507–519.
Seidman, D. (2008, December 5). Outgreening delivers sustainable
competitive advantage. BusinessWeek. Retrieved from http://www.
businessweek.com/managing/content/dec2008/ca2008125 029230.htm
Taylor, S. A., Humphreys, M., Singley, R., & Hunter, G. L. (2004). Business
student preferences: Exploring the relative importance of web manage-
ment in course design. Journal of Marketing Education,26, 42–49.
Waddock, S. A., & Graves, S. B. (1997). The corporate social
performance–financial performance link. Strategic Management Journal,
18, 303–319.
Wasik, J. F. (2010, September 9). The surprising success of the green
supply chain. Fortune. Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/2010/
08/13/news/companies/corporate sustainability.fortune/index.htm
Wingfield, S. S., & Black, G. (2005). Active versus passive course designs:
The impact on student outcomes. Journal of Education for Business,81,
119–123.
Zocco, D. (2009). Risk theory and student course selection. Research in
Higher Education,3, 1–29.
Downloaded by [Illinois State University Milner Library], [Laura Erskine] at 08:52 04 April 2012
... Activities with a high potential for the experiential dimension enhance student learning by encouraging personal discovery (Dengler, 2008). Active learning techniques have also been reported to be most effective from the students' perspectives (Erskine and Johnson, 2012). ...
... Empirical evidence about the effectiveness of sustainable business education among undergraduate students is scarce (Erskine and Johnson, 2012). Hence, it is notable that this study empirically examines the impact of a sustainable business course on students by measuring their engagement in sustainable consumption. ...
... It could be that the higher engagement of the students who took the course was merely due to increased knowledge about sustainability which they previously lacked. Future research could assess students' feedback on each of the active learning activities used in the course such as the research by Sidiropoulos (2014); Erskine and Johnson (2012); Fang and O'Toole (2023); and Warwick et al. (2017). The students could rate each activity and explain whether they thought it made them more engaged in sustainability. ...
Article
Full-text available
Purpose This paper outlines the active learning methods used to develop and deliver a sustainable business course to undergraduate students. Moreover, the paper aims to investigate the effect of the sustainable business course on the students’ engagement in sustainable consumption. Design/methodology/approach From a pedagogical perspective, the paper describes the active learning methods applied in a newly introduced sustainable business course via numerous distinctive assessment techniques. On the empirical front, the research investigates the impact of the sustainable business course on the students’ engagement in sustainable consumption. To test such impact, an online survey was distributed among students who completed the sustainable business course, and as a control group for comparison, students who did not take the course. Findings The research results indicate a positive relationship between completion of the sustainable business course and engagement in sustainable consumption. Furthermore, the data revealed that female students exhibited more engagement in sustainable consumption than male students. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the literature on student-centered pedagogy, active learning techniques and the relationship between sustainable business education and engagement with sustainable consumption. Practical implications The study contributes to the literature on student-centered pedagogy, active learning techniques and the relationship between sustainable business education and engagement with sustainable consumption. Pedagogically, the nonconventional course curricula and assessment methods described in this study can be used as a reference by instructors aiming to integrate active and experiential teaching methods into their sustainable business curricula. For decision makers in higher education who are working in line with the global direction to achieve sustainability, this research provides preliminary evidence that students’ engagement with sustainability is influenced by their course curricula. Originality/value By depicting innovative approaches to teaching sustainability in business, the research enriches the field of sustainable business pedagogy which remains under-researched in many countries. Furthermore, the research goes further by investigating the effect of the course on students’ sustainable consumption. This acts as evidence of the effectiveness of teaching sustainable business in changing future leaders’ perspectives and priorities to include environmental and social aspects, which has become a global goal. Accordingly, the research has the potential to encourage more business schools to make sustainable business education mandatory.
... The questionnaire included information about students' demographics and a total of 37 learning approaches 1 for sustainable teaching in higher education. This selection is derived from 125 publicly available Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), from which Erskine and Johnson [8] and Singhal et al. [19] extracted 37 learning approaches. The approaches are presented in the self-reports of business schools assessing their pedagogical practices as followers of the PRME. ...
... Thirdly, based on the classification within Quadrant III (QIII) Low priority, we suggest that institutions continue to deal with the classified approaches as they have been doing, since the approaches located there are seen as having low importance and performance from the students' perspective. The UAL students' answers to the questionnaire imply a classification in the QIII of approaches such as the use of sustainability-related business simulations (4), additional points for students involved in sustainability projects (8), starting a degree program in sustainability within the university (17), or conducting a call for sustainability study projects (23). The UAL got 14 approaches classified in QIII. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Sustainability teaching has come to the fore as a foundation for addressing the unprecedented challenges that the planet and the society face. However, the effectiveness of higher education institutions (HEI) in their pivotal role in educating and instructing the students who will occupy leadership, management, and marketing positions in the future has been questioned. The objective of this study is to examine the performance of sustainability teaching based on an importance-performance analysis of the perceptions of marketing students in two HEI: the University of Almería and the University of Beira Interior. We analyze whether students differ in which learning approaches they consider important for integrating sustainability into their competencies, whether they consider them effective, and how their opinions differ depending on the HEI they come from. This study contributes to guiding universities in their actions to ensure that graduates are prepared to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability in their upcoming work career.
... Recently, Martinez-Bravo et al. [15] detected another drawback that can be added as a barrier to the integration of sustainability in business and management education, namely, the abundance of existing sustainability learning approaches. Studies by Erskine and Johnson [16] and Singhal et al. [17] have identified up to 37 different sustainability learning approaches, making it difficult to determine the main measures that HEI should adopt in the implementation of the PRME. Vicente-Molina et al. [18] emphasize that sustainability knowledge is necessary but not a sufficient condition for expressing a sustainability-oriented attitude in students with subsequent sustainable behavior through actions. ...
... For this reason, student-oriented research focuses not only on learning approaches but also on the attitudes that students develop towards sustainability [20,21]. A wide range of research exists, including analyses of students' attitudes toward personal importance toward sustainability, the valuation of sustainability in the business environment, work preferences toward sustainable enterprises, and the valuation of knowledge on sustainable aspects at the business level [16,17]. ...
Chapter
Full-text available
Since the alignment of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) for responsible education in management with the SDGs, both launched by the United Nations, the role of Higher Education Institutions (HEI) has become a fundamental pillar for the academic training of future leaders to contribute to the architecture of a sustainable society. However, the academic literature focuses primarily on educational institutional analysis rather than on student outcomes. University students not only reflect a growing awareness of environmental, social, and economic challenges but also display attitudes that influence their personal and professional choices. This paper focuses on a qualitative survey oriented to the attitudes toward sustainability of 129 university marketing students, carried out in two universities in the Iberian Peninsula (University of Almeria—Spain and University of Beira Interior—Portugal). By means of a t-student analysis between the two sample groups, it was analyzed whether the attitudes of students from both universities differ from different perspectives, the personal valuation of the importance of a more sustainable society, the specific integration of sustainability in business, the preference of training toward PRME-oriented educational organizations, or the labor insertion as a worker in sustainable companies. The results of this work can guide academic institutions in the evaluation of their efforts in curricular changes, course redesign, pedagogical proposals, and adjustments in mission and institutional objectives.
... For instance, a study at the National University of Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires, gauged the perception and knowledge of sustainability among university students and future Argentinian professionals [9]. The study companies that embrace sustainability as a core value [12]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This study delves into the perceptions of former students from two technological departments regarding sustainability practices. Conducted through a cross- sectional online survey among alumni of the University of Thessaly, a member of the INVEST European University alliance recognized for its commitment to sustainability, .this study gauged alumni perspectives on sustainability through self-assessment. The survey included background inquiries and 16 statements, measuring responses on a 5-point Likert scale. Of 300 graduates invited, a 69% response rate was seen, with 61% from Computer Science and Telecommunications and 39% from Electrical Engineering. Our findings indicate a generally positive attitude towards sustainability, with statistically significant differences in perspectives on the implementation of sustainable technologies and stakeholder engagement. The results underscore the necessity of integrating sustainability education deeply within the curricula of technological programs to cultivate a workforce capable of addressing future environmental challenges.
... For instance, a school may enrol in a certification programme because concerned school personnel recognise that their students do not have positive attitudes towards sustainability and believe that the certification will help address this problem (Boeve-de Pauw et al. 2015). Erskine and Johnson (2012) summarise this main idea as follows: 'If businesses are embracing a Triple Bottom Line (TBL), business schools need to prepare students for triple-bottomline thinking'. Academic staff and professors must dedicate themselves to transforming learning in education for sustainability. ...
Article
The study delves into the integration of sustainability concepts into management curricula and identifies strategies that business leaders can employ to enhance their environmental consciousness. The study delves deeper into the literature on sustainability education in management curricula, addressing the fundamentals, bringing about significant changes and the tactics to be employed throughout each curriculum phase. The qualitative study is significant. It conducts in‐depth interviews with three cohorts of seven respondents each, representing subject facilitators, students and support staff. Interpretative thematic analysis revealed the following themes: management institution infrastructure, preference for sustainability skill sets, job market needs, new hires and philosophical knowledge. The study suggests that the implementation of educational strategies and activities aimed at learning transformation and sustainability knowledge should be coordinated with all the levels of an institute's operations. A provision of a holistic environment that takes into account both micro and macro sustainability aspects is required, and should be meticulously managed, so that the students who will become the managers of tomorrow have the potential to become green business leaders.
... Despite students' passions for sustainability, Pooyanmehr (2015) identified a knowledge gap in the practical application of sustainability concepts. Erskine and Johnson (2012) found that students often show limited interest in participating in sustainable development initiatives. Pauw et al. (2015) emphasized that ESD goals cannot be realized if students cannot translate their awareness into action. ...
Article
Full-text available
Sustainability refers to both the planet’s health and humanity’s future well-being, encompassing actions humans take to prevent the depletion of natural resources. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) plays a vital role in course curricula by helping students develop critical thinking, decision-making, socio-emotional, and behavioral skills. This study examined the awareness and behavior of BS Management Accounting (BSMA) students regarding the three pillars of sustainability as well as the relationship between sustainability education and their awareness and behavior. Using the Knowledge-Attitudes-Practices (KAP) and Knowledge-Attitude-Behavior (KAB) frameworks, this quantitative descriptive research collected data from 349 out of 399 BSMA students (87.47% participation rate) enrolled during SY 2023–2024 at the University of Saint Louis, Northern Philippines. The results revealed that students were generally aware of sustainability and exhibited positive attitudes toward sustainable practices. Enrollment in the SASA 1013 course significantly increased sustainability awareness, but neither year level nor course enrollment had a significant impact on actual sustainability behavior. This study offers insights into the relationship between students’ sustainability awareness and their behavior across the three sustainability pillars. The novelty of this research lies in its focus on BSMA students and the specific role of the SASA 1013 course in fostering sustainability awareness. The study concludes with recommendations for curriculum development and policy initiatives to further promote students’ long-term sustainability awareness and behavior.
... Third, models for charting the progress of sustainability integration into business courses and curricula are emerging (Rusinko 2010a(Rusinko , 2010b in line with the descriptive nature of the literature. Pedagogical articles that speak to student engagement with sustainability issues cover as well the common theme of incorporating more active, applied, problembased, and service-oriented learning into courses to bridge the theoryapplication gap (Baden & Parkes, 2013;Benn & Dunphy, 2008;Erskine & Johnson, 2012;MacVaugh & Norton, 2012). ...
... According to Singhal et al. [17], the integration of sustainable concepts and practices should be taught at schools to embed them "right from the very beginning". Furthermore, Erskine and Johnson [18] investigated the effectiveness perceived by students to learn new approaches for a better understanding of the importance of sustainability in the current job market. In this context, our second hypothesis is as follows: H2: Attitude is significantly associated with students' development of sustainability competencies. ...
Article
Full-text available
This quantitative research predictive study evaluates the roles of four variables in developing student sustainability competencies through a curricular intervention. We used the MAKE framework, i.e., (1) motivation, (2) attitude, (3) knowledge, and (4) engagement, to promote the sustainability competencies among students enrolled in four undergraduate courses during the semester of February to June 2022. We surveyed the students to determine the role of the MAKE framework variables in developing sustainability competencies. One hundred four students answered an online Google survey, which gathered the data we subsequently analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26 software. Linear regression statistical results confirmed that the four variables of MAKE have a significant correlation where motivation was highly associated with developing sustainability competencies of students. These findings can guide professors and university policymakers in implementing the MAKE framework to promote sustainable development education.
Article
Full-text available
Purpose This study aims to present the development and validation of a scale to measure the attitudes of Latin American business students toward sustainable management practices in the economic, social and environmental dimensions. Design/methodology/approach Using a nonprobabilistic sample, the appreciation for sustainable practices in students (ASP-S) scale was administered to a total of 653 undergraduate and graduate business students in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and Peru. A range of psychometric validity (construct, convergent and discriminant) and reliability criteria were applied. Findings Construct, convergent and discriminant validity was obtained from the ASP-S scale across all samples. During the internal validation process, two factors were found: systemic consciousness (ten items) and sustainable business leadership (nine items), both of which obtained acceptable reliability indices. The resulting structure is equivalent in all four countries. Originality/value The instrument can be applied by educators and learning assurance areas to diagnose and measure the effectiveness of pedagogical strategies used in sustainability courses taught at Latin American business schools. As a result, it has applications for curriculum design. As a valid and reliable instrument set in the context of regional business praxis, it can promote an understanding of sustainable behaviors and practices in future Latin American leaders.
Article
Full-text available
The United Nations' Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) is a global call to embed business education in international values such as those portrayed in the Global Compact framework on Human Rights, Labour, Anti-Corruption and the Environment. This initiative is an urgent call to modify business education in light of changing ideas about corporate citizenship, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. It aims to provide the framework required to adapt management education to the new after-crisis realities-in terms of curriculum, research, and learning methodologies. We interview the head of PRME, Manuel Escudero, who shares the origins, progress, and future directions of the initiative, along with practical suggestions about how to engage and actively participate in the initiative, persuade skeptics, and benefit from this global project. In this agenda, experiential learning needs to be at the center of the new learning methodologies to create the paradigm shift needed to redefine business and management education for the future.
Article
The article presents a speech by Dennis A. Gioia entitled “Business Education's Role in the Crisis of Corporate Confidence.” The speech was given at a 2002 meeting of The Academy of Management, held in Denver, Colorado. Gioia addressed the need to work more at influencing students about business ethics and social responsibility.
Article
This article comments on a paper by Sumantra Ghoshal published in this issue of Academy of Management Learning & Education which argues that academic research related to the conduct of business and management has had some very significant and negative influences on the practice of management. The author notes that in a word, Ghoshal is right. He is right in the sense that economics is indeed taking over management and organization science, just as it has taken over political science and law and is making inroads into sociology and psychology--trends that have been occasionally documented and could, and should be, empirically studied. The field of economics has more and more tended to dominate the formulation of curricula and research agendas in all of the social and policy sciences and, in some cases, even in the humanities. Ghoshal is right that this takeover matters, because social theories matter. The theories that come to be believed and accepted affect both public and organizational policies and practices. Moreover, as Ghoshal notes, theories, once accepted, set into motion processes that tend to ensure they become self-fulfilling. And Ghoshal is certainly right when he reiterates that the assumptions of much of economic theory and the effects of these assumptions on people and institutions can be harmful.
Article
This paper presents a matrix of options for integrating sustainability in management and business education, and illustrates how the matrix can be used with the example of a business school in the Northeastern United States, including lessons learned. The matrix contributes to the literature by including the co-curriculum-in addition to the curriculum-as an opportunity for integrating sustainability in management and business education. In addition, it draws from and extends previous empirical and conceptual research, and addresses the needs and weaknesses stated in earlier literature. The matrix provides a framework for discussion, as well as a framework for action-since it provides faculty, staff, and administrators with options for integrating sustainability and includes advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for using each option. The matrix is useful for relative newcomers to sustainability, and can also help those who are analyzing past successes and failures, as well as those planning future efforts.
Article
This interview with former DuPont CEO and chairman, and current Bank of America chairman, Chad Holliday, describes how business and university education can support one another and collaborate to nurture understanding and performance in the area of sustainability. Recommendations are presented based on Mr. Holliday's insight gained through various leadership roles and in building relationships with over 50 universities around the world.
Article
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of course design on both actual and self-reported student outcomes. The authors examined data gathered from three courses, each with a different design, during one semester at a major university in the Southwest. One passive design was used and was patterned after the traditional method of lecture, notetaking, and multiple-choice exams. Two active designs were used. One active design was a participative course where students helped plan the course by developing the syllabus and deciding what criteria should be graded. The other active design was experiential in nature where students were exposed to assignments and activities designed to simulate real-world tasks and experiences. Results indicated that students perceived active course designs to be more useful to their future than passive designs. However, course design appeared to have no impact on student grades, satisfaction, or perceptions of how a course was conducted.