~ Georges Enderle, Prof. Emeritus of International Business Ethics, University of Notre Dame, USA, genderle@nd.edu
The Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022-2024 (GSBE) incorporates the 36 country or regional reports collated over three years of investigation by 94 reporters. The sheer volume of content required the publication of three volumes.
This second volume includes reports from Asia, Australia, Russia, and South and North America.
In this short blog, I focus on the report on Mainland China based on the
views of 43 experts in business ethics, namely 27 professors and 16 associate professors from Business Schools or Management Schools of 36 Universities in Mainland China. It explains the current themes, prospects, and obstacles of business ethics in teaching, research, and training.
It concludes that the field of business ethics in Mainland China has grown stronger over the last decade.
However, there is room for further development: The teaching at the undergraduate and Ph.D. levels should be strengthened; fundamental questions of business and economic ethics should be further explored; and the room for improvement in business ethics training in companies is large.
Why is this report critical not only for the 43 experts in business ethics but also for USCCA readers and religious and lay people in both rural and urban communities in China?
Because it shows many good things happening in China and helps build bridges of friendship and dialogue (as I have experienced abundantly in the last 30 years). According to the report, the most essential teaching themes are corporate social responsibility, integrity, and sustainability.
Businesses need these values, which are also strongly supported by Catholic Social Teaching. Too many companies put profit maximization at the top of their priorities. Dishonesty and lying characterize many business leaders. Aggressive corporate policies do not care about global warming.
In research, considerable progress has been made in publications, and essential themes need to be addressed, such as Chinese culture and business ethics, ethical leadership, and ethics in international business. However, there is a need for more high-quality empirical data, research talents, and research funds.
As for business ethics-related training in corporations, a primary obstacle needs to be more importance attached to these organizations, represented by their entrepreneurs and top managers. Other obstacles include the inadequate supply of good trainers and teachers and a relative need for high-quality training materials and cases.
Engagement with business ethicists and ethical business leaders in China is a good way to keep the doors open to China and effectively support people.
I am sure that most 43 experts who participated in the business ethics survey are pleased to be approached and willing to cooperate. Their names and affiliations can be found in the report's Appendix on Mainland China (pages 49-52). The names and email addresses of the authors are on page 17.
During heightened tensions between China and the United States and the uncertain outlook with the incoming Administration,
building bridges between Chinese and Americans and engaging in concrete business ethics projects that can further mutual understanding and respect is imperative.
I am happy to help connect interested readers with business ethics experts in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
In friendship,
Professor Georges Enderle
Georges Enderle is John T. Ryan Jr., Professor Emeritus of International Business Ethics at the Mendoza College of Business and Concurrent Professor at the Keough School of Global Affairs, University of Notre Dame (Indiana, USA). He is a Fellow of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies, the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, and the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies. He is the former President of the International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics (ISBEE; 2001-2004). Before joining the faculty at Notre Dame in 1992, he researched and taught business ethics in Europe for over ten years. He was also the co-founder of the European Business Ethics Network (EBEN). He also conducted several seminars on business ethics in companies like Ciba-Geigy and BMW.
Since 1994, he has been involved in numerous research and teaching activities in China, particularly at the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Shanghai (1996-2003), at the Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF), Jiaotong University (2011-2013) and in the School of Humanities at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (2018). He has authored and edited 20 books and over 160 articles (see Publications). He serves on the Board of Advisors of several academic journals and Centers for Business Ethics (see Editorial and Advisory Positions). He co-chaired the World Congress of Business, Economics, and Ethics 2000 in São Paulo, Brazil, and the subsequent Congress 2004 in Melbourne, Australia (ISBEE).
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Reference:
Global Survey of Business Ethics 2022-2024. Teaching, Research and Training.
Edited by Bryan Robinson and Georges Enderle, published by Globethics, Geneva, 2024.
Volume 1: Introduction and Africa (459 pages)
Volume 2: Asia, Australia, Russia, South and North America (406 pages)
Volume 3: Europe (521 pages)
Open access online: Click on Global Series (No. 19, 20, 21). Available in print: black/white and in color.
Volume 2 includes the reports on China: Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau, and the United States of America: Table of Contents (pages 7-12). Introduction (page 13-18). China: Mainland (pages 19- 54). Hong Kong (pages 55-64). Macau (pages 65-77). United States of America (pages 365-387.
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