Catholic Social Teaching, the Corporation, and Management Education

Abstract

Through technological advancements, people and organizations are capable today of interaction and impact in ways unimaginable a few years ago; such interactions are apparent from micro-level relationships among individuals, groups, and communities, to the macro-level interactions of business, governments, and societies. However, without foundational knowledge regarding human dignity, the common good, and human progress in the light of Truth, the capacity to understand the capabilities of individuals, organizations, and humankind is limited. This lack of understanding becomes particularly problematic when business organizations and the extent of their influence are viewed against the management education business people often receive. This paper discusses the basic concept areas found in management teaching, links those management concept areas with key principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) in the light of calls for change in business education, and offers an individual framework for incorporating CST into management learning.