Teaching sustainable development in business education: a three-component model

This article presents a three-component model for teaching sustainable development in business education. It responds to a recognized curricular gap in how sustainable development is taught, particularly in U.S. undergraduate business programs. The model was implemented in introductory business courses at a U.S. university. The visual teaching framework, the ANSI University Outreach Program, and the ISO 26000:2010 guidance standard work together to deliver a cohesive learning experience focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) core subjects and sustainable development. Multi-semester formative assessment data from student course evaluations were reviewed to gauge effectiveness. The model led to improvements in student engagement, understanding, and application of sustainability concepts. This model contributes to sustainability-focused education and can be used by other instructors to meet learning goals related to ESG. In this way, the work has potentially vital implications in terms of ensuring that sustainable development receives more focus in the future, which can only benefit society and the environment while also ensuring that companies act in socially and environmentally responsible ways. In 2019, the espoused purpose of business diametrically shifted in the U.S. with the public announcement that corporate businesses agree they must now consider elements beyond simply maximizing profits for shareholders; they committed to supporting communities and protecting the environment. This study describes a three-component model that offers a unique methodology for teaching the concept of sustainable development to business students, addressing the core subjects of environmental, social, and governance issues in businesses. The model was initiated in 2020 in business ethics and social responsibility courses and in 2022 it was implemented in introductory business courses at a U.S. university. The model led to improvements in student engagement, understanding, and application of sustainability concepts. Considering that sustainable development is receiving increased attention this study found the three-component model provides vital benefits for society and the environment by ensuring business students know how to help companies act in socially and environmentally responsible ways.