Today, in the business world, the buzzword — or rather, the buzz acronym — is ESG. Environmental, Social, and Governance challenges and the responses to these have been gaining momentum across industries over the last few decades. This growing emphasis is not surprising, as we are increasingly witnessing the undeniable effects of climate change, depleting natural resources, deteriorating air and water quality, and unsustainable patterns of consumption. The issues that were once viewed as long-term environmental concerns have now become immediate, day-to-day realities for businesses, governments, and communities alike.
As the environmental pressures mount, so too do the social and ethical challenges. Civil society voices have grown louder against workplace discrimination, exploitative labour practices, inadequate health and safety measures, and the widening gap between executive pay and employee compensation. Communities are raising their voices against unethical corporate behaviour, land misuse, and profit-seeking practices that compromise people’s well-being and environmental balance. It is clear that business as usual is no longer an option. The world needs leaders and managers who can balance profitability with purpose — individuals who act not only with intelligence but with integrity.
The realization that our actions today are shaping — and in some cases harming — the world for future generations has sparked a global reckoning. We are beginning to understand that growth at any cost is not sustainable. The erosion of trust in businesses, fueled by repeated corporate scandals and financial mismanagement, has further highlighted the need for stronger ethics and governance. Governments, international organizations, and society at large are demanding accountability and transparency from corporations. There is now a universal call for businesses to take responsibility — not just for their financial outcomes, but for their social and environmental impacts as well.
In response, ESG principles have moved from being mere buzzwords to becoming strategic imperatives. Investors are increasingly evaluating companies based on their ESG performance. Consumers are supporting brands that demonstrate genuine social responsibility. Employees, particularly the younger generation, want to work with organizations whose values align with their own. This shift signifies a deeper truth — that sustainability and ethics are not just moral obligations but essential components of long-term business success.
The Evolution of ESG Thinking
The roots of the sustainability movement go back to the Brundtland Report (1987), which defined sustainable development as “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Over the years, this concept has evolved from environmental awareness to a more integrated approach encompassing social equity and governance responsibility. Global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement have given further direction to how businesses, governments, and institutions can align their actions with sustainability goals.
Similarly, the corporate world has witnessed a wave of reforms in governance structures. Scandals such as Enron, WorldCom, and Satyam in India served as painful reminders of what happens when ethics are compromised for profit. In the aftermath, global initiatives like OECD Corporate Governance Principles and stricter financial regulations have emerged, placing governance and transparency at the forefront of business accountability.
However, true transformation cannot come solely from rules or external oversight. It must come from a change in mindset — a sense of moral responsibility ingrained within individuals, especially those who will lead organizations in the future. And this is precisely where management education plays a pivotal role.
MYRA’s Commitment: Building Responsible Managers
At MYRA School of Business, we firmly believe that the future of business leadership lies at the intersection of ethics, sustainability, and good governance. We recognize that teaching business management today requires much more than imparting knowledge of finance, marketing, or operations. It demands nurturing a mindset that places responsibility, empathy, and long-term thinking at the heart of decision-making.
With this conviction, MYRA has made Ethics, Sustainability, and Governance (ESG) one of the core courses that students undertake at the very beginning of their academic journey. This is not by coincidence, but by design. We want our students to carry these principles as the foundation for all subsequent learning — whether it is strategy, human resources, analytics, or entrepreneurship.
In the Ethics, Sustainability, and Governance course, students explore real-world business dilemmas and case studies that mirror the complex moral choices managers face today. Through discussions, debates, and hands-on projects, they learn to analyse ethical dimensions of decisions, evaluate their societal impact, and design solutions that are both profitable and principled. The goal is not just to teach compliance but to build character and conscience.
Why ESG Education Matters
Modern organizations operate in a highly interconnected and transparent world. Stakeholders — from investors to consumers — are watching how businesses act. A single ethical lapse can lead to reputational damage, financial loss, and public distrust. Conversely, companies that integrate ESG principles are not only protecting the planet but also creating sustainable competitive advantages.
Teaching future managers to appreciate this balance is crucial. For instance, understanding how ethical supply chain management supports long-term profitability, or how inclusive workplace policies lead to innovation, helps students connect abstract principles with tangible outcomes. They begin to see that ethics and economics are not opposing forces — they are, in fact, mutually reinforcing.
At MYRA, this understanding is brought to life through projects, case studies, simulations, and corporate interactions. Students engage with organizations working on sustainability initiatives, analyse governance models, and even participate in community projects that expose them to social realities beyond the classroom. Such experiences transform theoretical concepts into lived understanding, helping them evolve as socially conscious leaders.
The MYRA Edge: Nurturing Thoughtful Leaders
The mission at MYRA is clear — to develop responsible managers and ethical leaders who can navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape. Every course, every project, and every mentorship opportunity reinforces this mission. We encourage students to question assumptions, challenge unethical practices, and think deeply about the “why” behind business decisions.
When students graduate from MYRA, they do not just carry an MBA or PGDM degree; they carry a sense of purpose and accountability. They understand that success is not measured only by profit margins but also by the positive impact they create for people and the planet.
In a time when technology, automation, and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way we live and work, human values remain irreplaceable. The ability to act ethically, think sustainably, and govern responsibly will continue to define great leaders.
At MYRA School of Business, often recognized as one of the best PGDM college in Bangalore, we take pride in shaping such leaders — individuals who can combine competence with conscience, and ambition with altruism. As one of the top PGDM colleges in Bangalore, MYRA continues to integrate global perspectives with Indian values, ensuring students are not only career-ready but also society-ready.
Conclusion
In essence, ethics, sustainability, and governance are not just academic subjects at MYRA — they are core values woven into the fabric of our institution. We believe that the managers of tomorrow must not only excel in performance but also embody responsibility, compassion, and foresight.
As the world continues to grapple with pressing environmental and social challenges, the role of responsible management education becomes even more vital. At MYRA, we are committed to being a part of that change — preparing future leaders who will not just manage businesses but transform them for the greater good.