We are very excited to introduce to you the MBA Oath, an international initiative new at the Simmons SOM, sponsored by our Net Impact chapter and headed by member and full-time MBA candidate Bonita Yip. We’ll let her do the talking from here on out…
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Hi Simmons Net Impact Members!
On behalf of the chapter, we’d like to congratulate the 2012 MBA class! Each one of you has achieved a significant milestone! After all the classes, group projects, presentations, and don’t forget spreadsheet modeling projects, it’s time to celebrate!
At the beginning of May, I introduced the MBA Oath during the last Strategy 2 class with Mary D’s support. More than 40 graduating MBAs pledged to uphold principled leadership in the course of their career (which is nearly the entire graduating class!)
For those that aren’t familiar with the MBA Oath, it was started by two Harvard MBA students as a response to the 2009 recession. All MBA programs came under fire for not upholding ethical business principles, which resulted in the financial crisis. By pledging to the oath, which is aligned with our Simmons principled leadership curriculum, it promotes ethical decision making in the normal course of business.
The oath reads as follows:
THE MBA 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.
This was our first pilot effort, but it seems to be off to a good start! Also, Professor Sylvia Maxfield announced the signers at the Dean’s Reception! The following individuals have pledged to the MBA Oath:
| Saly Am | Sarah Goldstein | Mandana Moshtaghi |
| Ivette Argueta-Medina | Rebecca Hall | Samantha Nelson |
| Heather Bodman | Yogita Inamdar | Risa Nishimoto |
| Ashley Briggs | Elissa Karp | Beverly Ouannass |
| MaryBucci | Alice Kaufman | Breen Power |
| Natalie Camerlengo | Ashlyn Kelly | Antonina Quinn |
| Caitlyn Carlson | Alexis Kristof | Erin Quirk |
| Suzanne Carter | Jamie Lapensee | Denise Radkowski |
| Katlyn Cavanaugh | Leah Lee | Danielle Ruch |
| Abigail Clare | Amy Lester | Christine Tan |
| Christina Savoy-DeCosta | Rachel Lewis | Jennifer Thayer |
| Ashleigh Desimone | Maggie Louie | Jill Walker |
| Theresa Falzaramo | Natasha Mezhebovsky | Mahlet Woldemariam |
| Andrea Fee-Blackberg | Lolona Morse | Kara Wong |
As for the next steps, I will be collaborating with Mary D to issue official individual MBA Oath certificates. We’ll keep you all posted on those developments! Until then, enjoy the celebrations MBA Class 2012, you all deserve it!
~ Bonita Yip, MBA Oath Project Lead
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