Last modified: 2020-10-08
Abstract
A solid grounding in the fundamentals of ethical decision making in the professional world is an essential part of a business education. The ability to make decisions that balance ethical and financial considerations often requires critical thinking, in depth analysis, problem solving, teamwork, and communication skills. While the fundamentals of these skills can be presented in core coursework, the complexity often faced in making ethical business decisions can be brought to life through an interdisciplinary ethics case competition. This type of interactive learning experience transcends and elevates the typical classroom experience by giving students the opportunity to interact with peers and professionals, learn from each other, and develop a more diverse educational background. This paper explores the benefits of using interactive case competitions as a learning and professional tool. Additionally, it chronicles the process followed by leaders of a Beta Alpha Psi chapter in organizing and executing a successful interdisciplinary business ethics case completion. The paper describes how approximately fifteen teams of six students each made up of majors from multiple business disciplines, mathematics, and computer science came together for a one-day competition judged by a panel of sponsor firm representatives. This paper offers a successful model for schools, student organizations, and sponsoring organizations to follow in planning and executing an interdisciplinary business ethics case competition and is supported by anecdotal evidence from participant and sponsor post–event debriefings.