The importance of ethics, sustainability and social responsibility in business education

UniSA Business is deeply committed to embedding the principles of sustainability, ethics and social responsibility into our teaching and research, and to exemplifying these values in our organisational practices.

We understand our students are the leaders of tomorrow, therefore all UniSA Business programs are designed to develop graduates who are committed to ethical action and social responsibility as professionals and citizens. Course materials, case studies and assignments are designed to inform and develop the capabilities of our students to balance economic and sustainability goals.

image of UniSA Business student

PRME: A framework for teaching business responsibly

Since 2011 UniSA Business has been a signatory to the United Nations-supported initiative Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME). 

This initiative brings together a global network of universities and business schools that have made a commitment to teaching, research, and thought leadership in support of the universal values of sustainability, responsibility, and ethics.

The PRME also provides a framework to strengthen the alignment of this work with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs provide a blueprint for all countries to improve the lives and prospects of everyone around the world through building economic growth and addressing a range of social needs including education, health, social equality, and job opportunities, alongside a commitment to protecting the planet.

infographic of the 17 sustainable development goals

The Six Principles

The Six Principles for Responsible Management Education were developed in 2007 by an international task force of 60 deans, university presidents and official representatives of leading business schools and academic institutions.

1  |  Purpose

We will develop the capabilities of students to be future generators of sustainable value for business and society at large and to work for an inclusive and sustainable global economy.

2  |  Values

We will incorporate into our academic activities, curricula, and organisational practices the values of global social responsibility as portrayed in international initiatives such as the United Nations Global Compact.

3  |  Method

We will create educational frameworks, materials, processes and environments that enable effective learning experiences for responsible leadership.

4  |  Research

We will engage in conceptual and empirical research that advances our understanding about the role, dynamics, and impact of corporations in the creation of sustainable social, environmental and economic value.

5  |  Partnership

We will interact with managers of business corporations to extend our knowledge of their challenges in meeting social and environmental responsibilities and to explore jointly effective approaches to meeting these challenges.

6  |  Dialogue

We will facilitate and support dialog and debate among educators, students, business, government, consumers, media, civil society organisations and other interested groups and stakeholders on critical issues related to global social responsibility and sustainability.

UniSA Business's Sharing Information on Progress Report 2023

A central commitment of any institution participating in the PRME initiative is to regularly share information with its stakeholders on the progress made in implementing the Six Principles through the Sharing Information on Progress (SIP). As a key integrity measure, the SIP's main objective is to serve as a public vehicle for information on responsible management education. In addition, the SIP can be an effective tool for facilitating stakeholder dialogue and a learning community among signatories.

UniSA Business is pleased to submit our SIP report as a statement of our commitment to the United Nations PRME. This document details our progress in implementing the Six Principles and Sustainable Development Goals for 2022-2023.


Download report  (.pdf 2.9MB)

UniSA’s PRME lead

Subha Parida
Lecturer in Property, UniSA Business
WL4-42, City West Campus

Subha was awarded Chancellor's commendation for her Ph.D. titled ‘Employees' performance in green buildings'. Previously, she was awarded a merit-based scholarship from CRC Low Carbon Living. Subha has published in several reputed conferences, journal articles, industry reports and book chapters. Further, she has been active in disseminating the results from the projects in reputed conferences, seminars and workshops. She has published in the Journal of Cleaner Production (ABDC: A). She is a member of the Academy of ManagementBritish Academy of Management, and Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management.

She is currently the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) lead and serves as ECR representative for UniSA Business. She is involved with the Sustainability Working group for UniSA Business. Currently, she is serving as a committee member for Australia India Business Council. She also worked with the Principles for Responsible Management  Education (PRME) Working group at Curtin University. She was invited as a speaker at Curtin University: 'Using Creative Curriculum Design to support employability and Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME)'.