IE Business School is 9th in the world ranking of MBA programs published by the Aspen Institute´s Beyond Grey Pinstripes. The biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools evaluates the proper integration of social and environmental issues in MBA programs of the 149 best business schools worldwide. This year’s ninth position – and the 2nd in Europe – is a rise from the School´s tenth spot in 2007.
IE also ranks first in the category which evaluates time dedicated to teaching MBA students about ethical and social environmental issues. The authors of the ranking note that among the other European Schools featured, IE Business School best integrates ethical, environmental, and social responsibility studies into the classroom.
“The best business students move quickly into the front ranks of business–and the attitudes and values they bring to the table are deeply influenced by their time in business education,” said Judith Samuelson, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program. “Will they accept the status quo or act on their passion for the positive role business can play at the intersection of corporate profit and social impact? The schools that are competitive in the Beyond Grey Pinstripes ranking are the real trailblazers – they assure that students have the right skills as well as the will to make things happen.”
Since its inception, IE’s commitment to society has permeated every aspect of the school and is reflected in the core program content, electives focused on corporate responsibility, and consolidated initiatives such as the Chair in Corporate Ethics. This commitment has culminated in the creation of a dedicated department, Social Impact Management, which plays a key role in the day-to-day activity of the school.
“IE Business School continues to maintain and renew its commitment to society, backed by two decades of work towards progress in areas such as ethics, social responsibility, sustainable development, environmental protection, and management of diversity,” said Joaquín Garralda, dean of academic affairs at IE Business School. “We are convinced of the importance of training managers who have a holistic view of the impact of their decisions on the environment.”
At the academic level, IE Business School has integrated social and environmental management in the content of more than 80 core subjects and electives in the Masters programs. Within the area of Entrepreneurship, IE has a specialization in ‘Social Entrepreneurship’ to promote the development of social enterprises. In addition, all MBA students should discuss the social and environmental impact of their projects. Internationally, IE organizes collaborations with top-caliber institutions in the area of social innovation and sustainability.
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