"Notre Dame develops leaders who will do the right thing, regardless of the consequences," says 2009 MBA student Dustin Ruch. "While at Notre Dame, I've developed a deep awareness of my core values and how these values will guide decision making when faced with an ethical dilemma. I'm more confident now that I will make the decision to do the right thing, even if the right thing isn't the most profitable."

In the current climate of ethical ambiguity, this philosophy has become increasingly important. Professor Pat Murphy, co-director of the Institute for Ethical Business Worldwide at Notre Dame, says that the study of ethics involves the application of theories – philosophy, theology, and psychology – as well as rational reasoning to business issues. "We're not trying to change our students' personal values or ethical foundation, but rather to improve our students' moral reasoning and thinking. In the long run, good ethics is always good business."

Interspersed throughout the Notre Dame MBA program is a healthy dose of both organizational and personal ethics. Students are encouraged to develop an ethical awareness of issues that arise; to increase their knowledge of concepts, such as the Golden Rule and duty-based conduct; to practice moral courage, including ethical decision making; and to engage in critical reflection, be it with a mentor, spouse, or clergy member.

Each year many students enter the MBA program at Notre Dame in part because of its strong sense of values. "It's encouraging to see students, regardless of religious background, to consider the ideas of Catholic Social Thought, such as the common good and stewardship, and then draw on these concepts in their academic work," says Professor Murphy. From the classroom, it's a short trip to the business world, where many of the principles will be tested and, if Notre Dame has done its job well, with positive results.