Using transformative education to address student cynicism in management studies

This paper builds on the findings of a qualitative study which I carried out at an Australian university in 2007 with third year management students to investigate their perceptions in relation to business ethics. The study revealed a degree of cynicism among the participants with regard to applying ethical principles beyond university – in 'the real world of business'. This prompted me to engage in more systematic efforts to foster higher degrees of reflection and critical thinking in relation to ethics among my students, and to this end I found Mezirow’s notion of transformative learning inspiring. Reflection and critical thinking skills are pivotal to enable consciousness shifts that will lead to a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the importance of ethical conduct in management. They can be an effective antidote to attitudes of cynicism that make students feel powerless and dejected, disinclined to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their training beyond university years. A selection of examples of class activities to foster transformative learning is provided in the paper