Learn ethical profit management

B-schools may soon offer an e-module on ‘Managing profits with good values'.

To prevent recurrence of Satyam-like scams, some companies are planning to join hands with management institutes to start an e-learning module on “Managing profits with good ethics and values”.

The proposal, still at an initial stage, is being vetted by Ganesh Natarajan, chairman, National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom), and deputy chairman and MD, Zensar Technologies. The module will be conducted for students at management institutes, fresh recruits in companies and mid-level managers. Mid-level managers will be taught through management development programmes at B-schools.

“The idea is to have a corporate education course in the curriculum that talks about ethics and values. In the next three weeks, we plan to share this idea with key industry players and finalise the plan by February,” said Natarajan. While he is yet to approach industry bodies like Nasscom and Confederation of Indian Industry, he feels that both will endorse the module.

The module will comprise case studies and the study of best practices followed around the world to prevent corporate frauds. Special attention is being devoted to content formulation and curriculum design of the module.

“We need people who can evangelise this idea and work on it. I have already spoken to a few senior professors of management schools as well as industry veterans to take this forward,” added Natarajan.

According to Professor Ranjan Das, president, The Strategy Academy: “Unethical practices are adopted by companies where managers are incapable and hence imparting good ethics at the right time is necessary.” Professor Das who is associated with the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, said.

B-schools in Mumbai are looking at incorporating this in their syllabus. “Curriculum at B-schools is limited to corporate governance. There is little teaching on value systems to be incorporated in business practice. This module will help us achieve this,” said AK Sengupta, professor, SIES college of management studies, Navi Mumbai.