Management education embodies certain ethical principles and standards. Those undergoing the course must understand, imbibe and practise them, said K.P. Marikumar, Proprietor, Spark IAS Academy, Madurai.

He was addressing a recent Business Line Club meeting on “MBA with ethics” at the Institute of Co-operative Management, Perungudi, on the outskirts of the city. The event was sponsored by Tamilnad Mercantile Bank (TMB) Ltd, Tuticorin.

He said that the oath-taking, a voluntary student-pledge, was necessary not only for keeping their dignity but also for the very course they do and the society they seek to serve as a stakeholder.

He said that by formalising a written oath and creating forums for individuals to personally commit on ethical standards, the initiative sought to make a difference in the lives of the individuals who take the oath and create a social environment in which professionalism, with improved management practices and systems, take firm roots.

Manager’s duty Elaborating further, he said that as a manager, one needed to realise that it is their duty to bring people and resources together with utmost integrity and purpose, to serve a greater good for the society. While doing so, they need to safeguard the interests of the shareholders, co-workers, customers and the society in general. He said that a manager has to resolve to run the enterprise in good faith, safeguarding decisions and abstain from a behaviour that harms the enterprise and the society. “He needs to understand and uphold, in letter and spirit, the laws and contracts, honestly taking responsibility for actions, governing one’s conduct and that of the enterprise,” Marikumar said.

The manager needs to develop himself and the other managers under his supervision, so that the profession continues to grow and contribute to the well-being of society in terms of a sustainable economic, social and environmental prosperity worldwide, he added.

Earlier, A. Xavier Rex, Manager, TMB, explained in detail the role played by the bank, especially for the advancement of the youth in education and employment.

B. Suresh, Course Director, also spoke.

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