Restoring trust in business seems to be a recurrent theme, not least because of the recent global downturn and the bad press that has targeted corporate performance and individual behaviour ranging from excessive pay, environmental damage, child labour and tax avoidance.
Public trust in business varies internationally.
The Edelman Trust barometer
http://www.edelman.com/2015-edelman-trust-barometer/
shows , for example that UK Trust in business has declined from 2013 when the UK was the fifth most trusted in the world.
MBAs therefore have a major role to pay in maintaining (and restoring) Trust in business.
A healthy business sector is good for society and business needs to respond to wider stakeholder interests beyond its shareholders.
I think we still struggle with ideas for best governance models within each business/sector/country but individuals, wherever they are located, should be able to bring businesses to account, even if it is a simple as complaining about local water and air pollution.
The Edelman Trust Barometer also measures the investment in skills and education that a country and business makes and so innovation and the encouragement of innovation is a way to improve Trust also.
Lack of trust has the potential to affect our futures so MBAs should be mindful of their actions and deeds and recognise that an MBA qualification is a step along the way to restoring trust by responsible behaviour.
