Ethics Education of Business Leaders: Emotional Intelligence, Virtues, and Contemplative Learning, by Tom E. Culham, explores the make-up of ethical thinking and feeling in human beings, utilising a holistic perspective informed by philosophical works and organisational practices. Culham presents an integrative conceptualisation of human ethics that unifies centuries of Daoist philosophy, and psychological and neuroscientific enquiry, to produce a tested method of promoting the development of ethical practice in the field of business. This practical inclination draws on concepts of “mind, body, heart, and spirit” to encourage both personal and professional development, and an enlightenment of ethics pedagogy.
Virtue, emotional intelligence, and contemplative self-awareness are introduced, defined, and discussed in regards to their cumulative effects on the development of ethical inclinations. These three concepts, Culham argues, can be realistically utilised to aid the lifelong development of ethical practice, laying a particular focus on future business leaders.
Culham begins by outlining his own personal history and experience in the field of ethics education, before demonstrating his reasoning for a philosophically, scientifically, and practically sound emotional intelligence intervention for raising ethical consideration. This leads into an assessment of Daoist concepts of virtue and contemplation, sourced from ancient texts and supported by recent neurological study. Unconscious emotional awareness and regulation are argued to be pivotal in both moral psychology, and judging progression towards ethical practice. These concepts are evaluated for affiliations to ethical leadership, before a comprehensive 12-week programme, developed by Culham and taught at the UBC Saunder School of Business, is outlined. This course is broken down week by week, and each corresponding component is explained in detail. Final comments are drawn on the effectiveness of this course, and possible future improvements are highlighted.
Ethics Education of Business Leaders comes across as very well written, with particular strengths in formatting and structure, allowing easy access to concepts introduced by the text. Somewhat surprisingly the book is Culham's first; reading more like the work of a veteran educator, than a first time author. The detail of thought, simplicity of explanations for complex ideas, and balance of objective presentation and personal experience are a credit to the author. In the books’ 184 pages, a new paradigm for the education of ethics is introduced, with sourced readings and findings from both philosophical and scientific works. At no point does the text seem to submerge the reader in gratuitous detail, nor presume any background understanding. The book ends just as simply as it begins, staying true to its course and purpose: introducing an alternate, practical strategy for ethics pedagogy.
Culham recounts his own history in the fields of engineering, philosophical study, and education, giving the reader an insight into how this unique, eclectic book was formed. Whilst other works in the field of ethics development have touched on the concept of the individual self and emotional intelligence, Ethics Education of Business Leaders brings a newer, well-conceived and supported perspective. This is presented with balance, gracefully guiding, rather than hurrying, the reader through a series of logical arguments and conclusions.
The real strengths of Ethics Education of Business Leaders are three fold: and lie in skill, clarity, and intrigue. The skill at which the text is composed is remarkable, flowing easily and wrapping together neatly. The clarity at which the books message: that an alternate view of ethics education exists, and works, is demonstrated well. The intrigue of the author's work may be the most vital component of this triad of strengths. From the very first chapter, till the very last, Ethics Education of Business Leaders seizes the reader's attention and interest, leading them through topics that at first one might assume could not possibly coexist, before enrapturing these readers to the overarching unity Culham weaves.
The author is not afraid to confront these myriad subjects, and propose alternative theories in light of difficulties (such as making minimal but logical alterations to conventional emotional intelligence theory to better demonstrate the importance of educational virtue ethics). This content reflects Culham's application strategy so well, that later outlines of each stage of the application process requires no more than several small paragraphs to convey its use and effect. Those without an understanding of Daoist ideology or ethics education will not struggle to parse this work, despite the unorthodox nature of these motifs in comparison to more traditional leadership and organisational theories.
Of course no book is without its flaws, and Ethics Education of Business Leaders is no exception. Culham's portrayal of ethical development could be seen as far from complete; the focus on business leader development neglects conclusions that have focused on wider populations. If the Daoist teachings Culham sources are so universal, then surely the arguments he makes could be strengthened by including a more universal application strategy. As an expert informing readers who are likely to be less experienced with these ideologies, the burden lies on the author to convey these details. By somewhat neglecting the more general applications of these theories, some doubts are sown as to the overall validity of this argument. Culham seems unapologetic for this focus on business application, concentrating the book to areas of his own personal experience. Whilst this is commendable in promoting a strong focus, it segregates this already boundary breaking work further and limits its connection to other published approaches to ethical development.
That being said, the character of Ethics Education of Business Leaders is overwhelmingly positive. The subject matter is handled superbly, in an incredibly comprehensible style, with an easy openness and logical structure. Tom E. Culham's expertise as both an academic and writer shine from every page; his dedication to advancing an area of study by interdisciplinary examination is highly commendable. Utilising a strong approach focused on lasting change, not cheap surface cures, the practical applications wield a peculiar, measured force. Suitable for those interested in a new perspective on ethical development, or the concept of complex individual leaders, this book’s dedication to both theory and application make it accessible to both ardent academics and modern business people. An excitable and enjoyable read.
