The Institute was created in 2001 with the vision to advocate ethical business conduct in a global setting. The mission of the Institute consists of five elements.

1. Cultivate the capacity for ethical conduct in our students through education that:
   1. raises sensitivity to the ethical dimension of managerial decisions and practices,
   2. develops intellectual capabilities for ethical analysis,
   3. enhances understanding of Catholic social teachings and corresponding implications for stewardship in the global context, and
   4. invites explicit evaluation of one’s own personal boundaries and values.
   
   
2. Expand knowledge in the field through research that builds and tests theories as the basis for evaluating and guiding practice.



3. Develop conceptual frameworks, teaching materials, innovative pedagogies, course syllabi and workshops to assist the academic community in its ability to provide business ethics education.



4. Serve as a source of reference and guidance to the practitioner community on business ethics.



5. Pursue the above mission through active outreach to and partnerships with all disciplines in the Mendoza College, appropriate centers and departments within the University, as well as external academic, policy and social institutes across the world.