Meeting the growing demand for sustainability-focused management education: a case study of a PRME academic institution

Abstract

The current business landscape has created the impetus to develop management graduates with capabilities that foster responsible leadership and sustainability. Through the lens of Gitsham's 3C Model (Complexity, Context and Connection) of graduate capabilities, this paper discusses the experience of implementing the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UNPRME) at the Graduate School of Management, La Trobe University Australia. The case highlights that universities should use both a top-down and bottom-up approach, engaging students in the implementation process. The analysis also shows that educational institutions face similar challenges to business organizations in terms of resource limitations, inertia and resistance to change. While significant inroads have been made at the course and discipline level, more work needs to be done. The use of the UNPRME as a guide for delivering sustainability-focused management education has provided an opportunity to structure the change process and to provide support through partnerships.