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        The Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures

        Gain access to valuable instructional and training resources for ethical leadership through the Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures. Through the Center, you can find information on current research projects supported by the Harbert College of Business as well as information on the Student Center for the Public Trust (SCPT), a student organization supported by the center.

        About CEOC

        Recent News & Activities

        Ethics Speakers

        Embark on a journey of enlightenment with our Ethics Speakers series! Join us in exploring the profound wisdom shared by thought leaders, industry experts, and scholars in the realm of Business Ethics. Don't miss the opportunity to broaden your perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and deepen your understanding of ethical leadership.

        • April 3, 2024: "Every Choice Has a Consequence - Navigating Ethical Waters: Building Integrity In Organizational Cultures" presented by Chuck Gallager
        • November 1, 2023: "How Smart Companies Can Lead an Ethical Revolution" presented by Robert Chesnut
        • April 4, 2023: "Environmental Compliance at Carnival Cruise Corporation" presented by Danny Smith
        • December 1, 2022: "Global Human Rights at PepsiCo" presented by Bethany Salgado
        • September 29, 2022: "The Truly Sustainable Leadership" presented by Alfonzo Alexander
        • April 7, 2022: "Athletic Compliance & Student-Athlete Advocacy " presented by Nicole Sherwin
        • March 2, 2022: "Managing Supply Chain Recycling for a Circular Economy" presented by Gregory Jackson
        • October 25, 2021: "Challenges and Successes of "Reeling-In" Sustainability Initiatives" presented by Jeff Stillwell
        • March 29, 2021: "Business And Human Rights: Dilemmas and Opportunities" presented by Scott Penton
        • March 1, 2021: "Ethical Leadership in Global Financial Markets: A Regulatory Perspective" presented by Dr. Damion McIntosh
        • November 9, 2020: "Ethical Misconduct Crisis Recovery" presented by Dr. Robert Chandler
        • October 19, 2020: "Implementing Ethics and Compliance Programs in Fortune 500 Firms" presented by Barney Rosenberg
        • January 10, 2020: "The Power of Proximity in Healthcare Services Research" presented by Dr. Len Berry

        Mass Communication Media

        Click here ↑ to stay current with our latest news! Explore the forefront of ethical leadership, organizational culture, and business ethics. Stay informed, inspired, and ready to navigate the evolving landscape of responsible business practices. Read our latest articles and news now for a deeper understanding of the ethical world.

        Explore the Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures' latest articles that cover a broad spectrum of subjects, including ethical leadership, business ethics, and organizational cultures. Keep yourself updated on the most recent trends, compelling case studies, and research projects that spotlight the indispensable role of ethics in today's business arena.

        Teaching Resources

        The Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures provides teaching resources, including a wide variety of cases, debate issues, and classroom simulations. These resources are designed to spark discussions about different types of ethical dilemmas and decisions.

        Student Center for the Public Trust

        The Student Center for the Public Trust has 48 chapters in 24 states and consists of students that show dedication to ethical leadership. This organization focuses on the importance of not only ethical leadership but also the necessity for accountability, integrity, and trust across all avenues of business. Student chapters have resources, mentors, and networking opportunities available through the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) Center for the Public Trust.

        Learn More and Join

        Take your next steps!

        Take your next steps with the Center for Business Ethics at Auburn University and be part of the change you want to see.

        Join the Student Center for the Public Trust

        Ethical Leadership Certification

        All students in its Harbert College of Business are required to complete a course in business ethics and pass an independently administered ethical leadership certification prior to graduation. The certification is conducted by the National Association of State Board of Accountancy’s (NASBA) Center for the Public Trust.

        • About the Certification

          These ethics requirements are designed to better prepare young professionals to handle the ethical dilemmas they will face in their careers. According to Alfonzo Alexander, Ethics and Diversity Officer of NASBA and President of the Center for the Public Trust, Auburn is the first university in the country to require its business school graduates to complete ethical leadership training and attain independent certification. Since 1908, NASBA has served as a forum for the nation’s 55 State Boards of Accountancy, which administer the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, license more than 650,000 CPAs and regulate the practice of public accountancy in the United States.

          “Ethical conduct has always been a key component of the accounting profession — in fact, it is a core competency for all business leaders,” reported Alexander. “The development of this new curriculum and certification serves the growing need to educate our young professionals to meet the critical demand for ethical conduct in today’s challenging business environment.”

          The course and curriculum were developed by a panel of leading business ethics professors from across the country, including Drs. O.C. and Linda Ferrell from Auburn’s Harbert College of Business as well as NASBA’s Alexander. The online curriculum, which has been developed for all functional areas of business, is available for any university to adopt through NASBA’s Center for the Public Trust.

          According to O.C. Ferrell, James T. Pursell, Sr. Eminent Scholar in Ethics and Director of the Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures at Auburn University, instilling ethical conduct is critical to shaping organizational culture in today’s highly competitive business environment.

          “Students need to understand their ethical responsibilities in an organizational culture and how to develop the skills necessary to motivate and manage those who report to them later in their careers. Recruiters are asking us for more certification programs,” noted Ferrell. “Ethical conduct is an important component of an Auburn education, and this initiative is the latest in an ongoing effort to equip our business students with the tools they need to be successful throughout their careers.”

          “The Ethical Leadership certification has been extremely beneficial to college students across the nation,” added Alexander. “The curriculum is continually updated and can be customized to meet specific university needs. We hope that Auburn University’s decision to require this independent certification for all its business students will serve as a role model for other colleges of business and a call to action for them to join this critical initiative.”

        • Modules

          The certification program has six modules. Students are required to complete all six modules and pass an exam at the conclusion of each section.

          • Overview of Ethical Leadership
          • Ethical Decision Making
          • Organizational Support of Ethical Leadership
          • Role of Leadership in Managing and Preventing Conflicts and Ethical Risks
          • Role of Communication in Ethical Leadership
          • Implementing Ethical Leadership

        Publishing Ethics

        Elevate your professional journey with the AMS Code of Ethics – a compass for ethical excellence in the field of meteorology and atmospheric sciences. Explore the principles that guide responsible conduct, integrity, and community engagement. Embrace a higher standard of practice and join us in shaping a future where ethical standards soar. 

        AMS: Code of Ethics

        Have Questions?

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        OC Ferrell

        O.C. Ferrell

        Director of Center for Ethical Organizational Cultures