Teaching to Save the Planet: The Challenges Ahead for Instructors, Business Schools, and Universities

In this article I review trends in teaching environmental sustainability over 50 years in the Journal of Management Education (JME) to help instructors and institutions develop effective pedagogy for this complex and consequential subject. Given the current planetary emergency many instructors now grapple with how to teach change in societal and global systems. Already they have moved the sustainability field forward by integrating climate science with management topics and enhancing integrative learning that builds individual student autonomy, agency, and leadership. This examination of the JME literature suggests that at least three fundamental challenges remain: (1) applying systems theory to frame change and make meaningful pedagogical choices, (2) balancing traditional and experiential pedagogies in light of the need to teach about macro level systems, and (3) teaching sustainability for the planet in an academic sector that mainly values sustainability for business organizations. These challenges are inspiring critical thinking that is driving the field forward. At the same time, some recent research suggests that business schools may be unlikely to recast their missions to encompass societal change. As a result, concerned educators may turn increasingly to their universities, with their broader educational missions, to develop curricula that will help save the planet.