Rutgers Only NJ University Ranked Worldwide by Aspen

Sept. 21, 2011 - PRLog -- Newark, NJ – The Aspen Institute’s Business & Society Program released the 2011-2012 Global 100 of Beyond Grey Pinstripes and for the first time, Rutgers Business School (RBS) is overall ranked #34 in the world.  

Beyond Grey Pinstripes is a research survey and alternative ranking of business schools that spotlights innovative full-time MBA programs leading the way in the integration of subjects concerning social, ethical and environmental issues into mainstream business education.   These Global 100 schools are preparing students for the reality of tomorrow's markets by equipping them with the social, environmental, ethical and economic perspectives required for business success in a competitive and fast changing world.  

The 2011-12 effort was spearheaded by the Institute for Ethical Leadership’s (IEL) Research Director and Professor of Leadership and Ethics, Dr. Ann K. Buchholtz.  “Rutgers Business School has a long rich history of promoting ethical behavior and enabling business to be a positive influence in society - and so we are especially proud not only to be a member of the Global 100 for the first time but also to be ranked at #34 overall in our first year of inclusion.  We are ranked #12 in faculty research that incorporates social, environmental, and ethical content,” says Buchholtz.  

Dr. Steven J. Diner, Chancellor of Rutgers-Newark says, “With the recent financial crisis and economic recession as a result, we’ve all seen what can happen when ethical leadership takes a backseat to the quest for profits.  Through $2 million in funding provided by Prudential Financial Inc., Rutgers created the Institute for Ethical Leadership to help reverse this trend.  Strong corporate partnerships with global companies like Prudential, provide distinct career advantages for Rutgers Business School students.”

Dr. Glenn Shafer, Dean of Rutgers Business School notes, “Ethical leadership is a critical requirement to build healthy businesses.  Sustainability is no longer a concept reserved for energy and environmental policy, but rather an essential practice for managers and leaders in a culture that often rewards short-term goals and profitability at the expense of longer term growth prospects for their businesses.”

At Rutgers Business School, we have aligned our teaching and research with the goals outlined by the Aspen Institute’s “Beyond Grey Pinstripes” initiative in order to equip students with the social, environmental, ethical and economic perspectives required to succeed in business.  In addition to the strong group of business ethics faculty, RBS has faculty throughout the school devoting their research and teaching to important issues such as urban entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, justice, trust, diversity, privacy, corporate governance, and integrity.

Shafer continues to say, “Our Institute for Ethical Leadership (IEL) seeks to create awareness and education about the value of ethical leadership.  Through courses at corporations, nonprofits, and governments, IEL is instilling the importance of a corporate culture that cultivates and rewards sustainable ethical practices.  The resources provided by ‘Beyond Grey Pinstripes’ are helping us make a difference.”

Sharon Lydon, Executive Director of RBS MBA Programs says, "As the United States and the world emerge from the sub-prime crisis, there has never been a more important time to emphasize the role of ethical leadership in US business and in US higher education.  Once again, RBS is in the forefront of ensuring that our mangers and leaders embody the ‘best of’ America and that our graduates, once again, will ensure that this country is always the undisputed benchmark for leadership in education and business.”

Lydon continues to note that, “Ethical leadership is now ‘part of the DNA’ of most courses taught at RBS.  Instead of an ad hoc, or, episodic, approach implemented by most business schools, we at RBS are working to incorporate ethics and ethical leadership in all areas of study--from Strategy to Finance to Marketing to Supply Chain Management."

The Global 100 represents the top 100 business schools worldwide that most successfully integrate social and environmental concerns into their coursework and faculty research.  Lisa Podhayny, RBS MBA student says, “Rutgers Business School’s Aspen Institute ranking is a significant, world-renowned achievement.  As a full-time MBA student and Co-President of Net Impact RBS, I know first-hand that my fellow students are driven to address complex social and ethical concerns.  Net Impact and Rutgers Institute for Ethical Leadership are two of the many strong resources that demonstrate how well deserved an honor this is for our school.  I am proud to be a part of an institution recognized by Aspen, and I am one of the many students at Rutgers who feels empowered to tackle pressing social, ethical, environmental, and cross-sector issues in modern-day business.”

“The role of business leaders and executives has expanded and changed dramatically over the years,” said Alex J. Plinio, co-founder of the IEL.  “There is a strong need to address complex social and ethical concerns in our ever changing society and in the world.  We understand very well how important ethical leadership is to enhance civil society, and we are striving to provide graduates and current managers and executives with the skill-set and decision-making tools to produce ethical leaders who develop ethical cultures in their organizations.”

James Abruzzo, co-founder of the IEL said, “Being the only New Jersey higher education institution ranked speaks volumes.  At the IEL we recognize the need to inculcate ethical leadership here at RBS and this first-time ranking is extremely important to us.  We also give a special thank you to Ann Buchholtz, IEL’s Research Director, for her strong leadership in guiding this immense effort.”

# # #

The Institute for Ethical Leadership at Rutgers Business School, which now encompasses the Center for Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership, works with business and government entities, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, and within the University to provide leaders and future leaders with the education, training and critical-thinking tools needed to become more effective leaders and managers and make ethical decisions for real-world challenges. For more information, visit www.business.rutgers.edu/iel.