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

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 .

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

Websites and Articles
- The Oath Project website: www.oathproject.org
Net Impact’s Oath Project website: www.netimpact.org/oathproject
- Resources and Articles: http://www.theoathproject.org/resources/index.html#Link11
Highlights :
- Harvard article: http://hbr.org/2008/10/its-time-to-makemanagement-a-true profession/ar/1
- BusinessWeek: http://www.businessweek.com/bschools/content/oct2009/bs20091015
_998252.htm
- Daily Show: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-august-12-
2009/mba-ethics-oath