PRME SIP Report 2024

2024 Sharing Information on Progress

PRINCIPLE : Purpose

DEAN’S LETTER

It is with great pleasure that I present and affirm the 2024 PRME Sharing Information on Progress (SIP) Report, highlighting the collective efforts of our school in our ongoing mission to cultivate values-driven business leaders.

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, both higher education and business schools face significant challenges, particularly regarding the relevance and value of graduate degrees. At Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, our mission to “equip students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership” provides a decisive response to these concerns. Our unwavering commitment to creating positive global impact through the power of business stands as a cornerstone of this mission. This report offers clear evidence of that commitment, not only seen in specialized programs like our Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible (SEER) program but also embedded throughout our curricula, research endeavors, and community engagement initiatives. Central to our approach is placing ethics and values at the heart of our efforts, reflecting the Judeo-Christian principles that guide all we do at Pepperdine.

In challenging times such as these, living out one’s values while striving for success can be daunting. This is as true for us as a school as it is for our students, alumni, and business partners. Confronting the challenges of today and tomorrow requires addressing the often abstract and poorly defined forces shaping our world.

To navigate these complexities, our academic community actively engages with several critical questions:

1. What does a human-centered approach to business look like, and how can business practices enhance the human experience?

2. How can we engage in interdisciplinary research that amplifies our impact on individuals, society, and the world?

3. What does it mean to be a human being in today’s world, particularly as we explore the effects of technology, markets, and other forces on our shared humanity through the lens of our Judeo-Christian heritage?

These guiding questions shape our research and pedagogy, driving us to generate meaningful positive change in the world. We recognize that answering these questions requires embracing the complexity inherent in pursuing interconnected business and societal outcomes. It demands a mindset that is comfortable with discomfort, as this is the mindset our students will need as they embark on their careers as dynamic change agents in the business world.

Sincerely,

Deborah Crown Dean, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

We advance responsible management education to foster inclusive prosperity in a world of thriving ecosystems.

An Update on Our Purpose

The turbulent forces rocking business and society that were outlined in the previous report continue to present challenges for the leaders of today and tomorrow. The now quite evident effects of climate change and income inequality have revealed their interlocked effects on global well-being and trust in institutions. The progress that has been made against these challenges nevertheless remains slowed by political divisions, the rise of authoritarianism, and an erosion in the very acceptance of objective truth.

Even as doubt is sown over the value of higher ed, institutions like the Graziadio Business School that promote a strong, values-forward approach to business represent a bastion of hope, combining critical skills in problem solving with the real world connections that allow leaders of tomorrow to see immediate impact. Complementing responsible content in our curricula (including the celebrated SEER program), our focus on experiential learning allows students to interact with projects that have increasingly included social impact as their focus. Undergirding all these efforts, impact-oriented faculty and DBA-level research allow our faculty to bring science-based, cutting-edge thinking into the classroom and our community.

These efforts help support the sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially Goal 17, Partnership for the Goals. The Graziadio School serves as a nexus, connecting stakeholders socially as well as temporally, with the values we have held from the school’s beginning to the actions that will be required to address the world’s mounting challenges in the future.

PRINCIPLE : Values

We place organizational responsibility and accountability to society and the planet at the core of what we do.

Values-Based Leadership

Everything we do at Graziadio centers around developing leaders that can create a positive impact not just for financial stakeholders but for society and the planet. This mission guides our curricula, our research, and our relationships with external stakeholders.

We proudly proclaim this mission to past, current, and future students on our website.

Mission, Vision, and Strategy

Our strategic plan is posted on our website.

Our Mission

Inspired by our Christian values and commitment to academic excellence, we seek to:

1. Foster transformational learning,

2. Create applied knowledge, and

3. Equip our students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Our Values

Today - Not Tomorrow

George Graziadio was frequently heard saying this phrase, and we believe it holds true for us. He reminds us in a world of constant opportunity and disruptive potential to hold an action bias (carpe diem) and to deliver on the good that is within our influence today and not to wait for more favorable or comfortable conditions.

Integrity Always

We aspire to live and model lives that are guided by a deep integrity that holds strong even when forces that try to compromise good challenge us.

Courage with Compassion

We believe that facing the challenges that lie before us will require deep courage, and we aspire to be models of fearlessness coupled with compassion that honor the dignity of each person.

Pioneering Spirit

Embracing the changes that we face in our daily lives and in the future will tap the enduring spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness that has guided us in each new chapter of our existence. We aspire to live boldly and lean into new adventures with hopefulness.

OTHER PEPPERDINE ORGANIZATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

Diversity at Graziadio

Graziadio

School Diversity Council

In addition to the University Diversity Council (UDC), each school at Pepperdine has its own diversity council. The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Diversity Council (GDC) serves as a catalyst for advancing these core principles among our professional community and promoting a school-wide climate that honors and affirms the council’s diversity and fosters an inclusive environment for innovation, respect, and equal voices among its members.

Additionally, the Graziadio School Diversity Scholarship supports students of minority and student of diverse backgrounds who are pursuing an advanced business degree. This scholarship is made in conjunction with the Pepperdine Graziadio Board.

The GDC coordinates its efforts with the University Diversity Council at Pepperdine. The UDC functions as an advisory council and recommending body to the Office of the Provost and as a liaison to departments across the University toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.

1. Develop strategic initiatives in alignment with the University strategic plan with annual goals to improve practices related to recruitment, retention, and promotion of diverse faculty, staff, and students.

2. Promote knowledge, skill, and institutional practices toward diversity, equity, and inclusion.

3. Maintain an active line of communication with the Office of Institutional Effectiveness in analyzing data regarding institutional diversity.

4. Provide a forum for consultation on diversity climate issues that arise throughout the schools.

5. The Pepperdine University Diversity Council is a University-wide council composed of faculty, administration, staff, and students.

Center for Women in Leadership

Established in 2015 through a $150,000 Waves of Innovation grant, the Center for Women in Leadership (CWL) provides a space for the development of leadership for women on campus, according to founder and director, Bernice Ledbetter.

Ledbetter is a tireless advocate for advancing women’s leadership in business and beyond. She is a frequent contributor of expert opinion and analysis to outlets including the Huffington Post and was recognized for her contributions as a nominee at the prestigious 2016 Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Summit

The purpose of the Center for Women in Leadership is to strengthen the leadership capacity of our women students, staff, and faculty, so they can fill the leadership gap internally and in the external environment of organizations and communities worldwide. All individuals who are interested in promoting that purpose, regardless of gender, are welcome and encouraged to participate in the center’s programs.

The CWL’s primary goals are to:

1. Prepare women for successful careers in the marketplace, where they can express purpose-driven leadership.

2. Establish Pepperdine Graziadio as a business school of choice for students and staff, while continually engaging with alumni to enable them to feel competent, confident, and ready to lead as world-changing leaders.

3. Advance research and engage faculty to broaden the global dialogue on genderand diversity-related issues.

Please see Principle Partner for information on recent CWL events.

Student Clubs

Net Impact

Net Impact is a global leadership organization committed to nurturing an extensive and influential network of current and future business visionaries who believe in making a profit while affecting a positive social and environmental change. The Pepperdine Net Impact chapter aims to create an added competitive advantage for the students by providing practical tools and knowledge on how to maximize positive business impact. It is a platform for business innovation and unique networking opportunities. Pepperdine Net Impact chapter hosts renowned speakers, hands-on workshops, networking events, and company tours, and provides an opportunity to attend the annual National Net Impact Conference. Chapter members closely collaborate with Pepperdine’s SEER Business Strategy certificate program, a nationally renowned program for its robust curriculum and the annual SEER Symposium featuring industry leaders and other executive-level speakers. Our consistently lauded Net Impact chapter provides students with multiple opportunities for engagement throughout the year. See Principle Partner, for more information on Net Impact events.

Graziadio Black Students Association

The Graziadio Black Students Association seeks to provide an affirming space for students of color and those that stand in solidarity with students of color. Our purpose is to promote diversity and affect equity in the workplace as well as in the Graziadio Business School community.

Graziadio Women’s Business Association

The Graziadio Women’s Business Association is a Pepperdine Graziadio Business School professional club that actively cultivates purpose-driven leaders by supporting, challenging, and empowering women to thrive in the business world. By engaging the community through innovative initiatives and thoughtful programming, the Women’s Business Association promotes meaningful connections, diversity, and gender equity.

The Pepperdine Spectrum

The Pepperdine Spectrum is an LGBTQIA+ club and safe space for Graziadio students and alumni. All identifying individuals and allies are welcome! The organization operates in an educational environment that focuses on queer issues as they relate to business and politics.

Latinx MBA Conexion

The Latinx MBA Conexion seeks to harness the power of the Latinx allies within the Graziadio School community to strengthen diversity, inclusion, and belonging. The group is committed to developing students’ leadership skills while building meaningful connections and celebrating Latinx cultures.

Looking Forward:

Graziadio School administrators continue to search out ways of embedding sustainability including equity and inclusion, into our curricula and experiential learning initiatives. The multiple organizations addressing sustainability, equity, and justice at Pepperdine seek ways to collaborate toward these shared objectives. Our overarching goal remains to reflect the just and equitable world we wish to see.

Robert Bikel is the director of the SEER program at Graziadio and the official liaison to PRME for the business school.

Bikel has been the director of the school’s responsible management program since 2015. In addition to overseeing the SEER certificate curricula, serving as faculty advisor to the Net Impact chapter, and organizing sustainability events including the school’s marquee SEER Symposium, Bikel has also overseen the reporting to PRME.

He can be reached at robert.bikel@pepperdine.edu

PRINCIPLE : Teach

We transform our learning environments by integrating responsible management concepts and practices into our curriculum and pedagogy.

EDUCATIONAL VISION: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, IMPACT, AND RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION

The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School integrates a global focus into its study abroad programs and within a number of course offerings. Additionally, several academic activities provide students with opportunities to enhance their understanding of and participation in global social responsibility. The following programs operationalize the pillars of our mission to develop valuescentered leaders and advance responsible business practices through education that is entrepreneurial in spirit, ethical in focus, and global in orientation.

Certificate in Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible Business Strategy.

Our certificate in Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible Business Strategy (SEER) is available to students enrolled in our Full-Time and Part-Time MBA programs as well as the newly created Master of Science in Human Resources. SEER certificate courses are taken as electives within their respective curriculum. Upon completion, students receive a certificate along with their MBA degree.

Program Requirements

As part of the learning goals for the SEER certificate, students must fulfill requirements in three areas: academics, community, and service.

1. Academics

Complete four elective courses (8 units) within the SEER certificate curriculum. This includes the SEER capstone course taught by lead faculty Robert Bikel.

2. Community

Join and serve as a member in good standing of Pepperdine’s Net Impact chapter.

3. Service

Complete at least one extracurricular SEER service project, typically volunteering with a nonprofit, attending a major sustainability conference (such as the Net Impact Conference), or interning with a social enterprise.

SEER Program Revitalization

The SEER program has undergone its first major update since its inception in 2009 to enhance its curriculum and maintain its competitive edge. Key changes include minimizing the number of electives to avoid under-enrolled classes, aligning courses with recent concentration changes, and recognizing the obsolescence of certain courses. The SEER certificate is now rationalized across four programs: Full-Time MBA, Part-Time MBA, Online MBA, and Master of Science in Management and Leadership, ensuring efficiency and flexibility while addressing evolving market demands. Specific improvements involve revising program learning outcomes based on peer research, updating course offerings, and introducing new SEER-aligned courses. These enhancements are expected to improve student learning outcomes, maintain the program’s alignment with the school’s mission, and offer added benefits for AACSB Impact assessment and PRME alignment, all while remaining cost neutral. Changes were approved at all levels and are due to go into effect for the upcoming academic year.

SEER Certificate Courses

The below list highlights courses offered in recent years that provided students with an educational framework for responsible leadership:

The Role of Business in Society

The Role of Business in Society prepares tomorrow’s business leaders to meet the challenges and competitive opportunities of today’s global economy and marketplace by exploring the intersection of culture, business strategy, shareholder return, and social issues. Discussions cover a range of topics, including the role of business in society, sustainable business models, and leadership competencies. Learning activities require students to be actively involved as they are modeled on the range of experiences business leaders face in today’s dynamic and diverse corporate cultures.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Familiarity and facility with the SEER model, its implications and application including managing tensions between values and seeking synergies.

2. Firm understanding of the diversity of core sustainability tenets and concepts.

3. Integration of environmental and societal forces into macro and competitive contexts on a local, country, and global scale.

4. Take a systems approach to social and environmental business performance that recognizes shared resource constraints (the commons) and the interconnected nature of human and environmental systems.

5. Work across sectors collaborating with governments, NGOs, and competitors.

6. Benchmark social and environmental performance against global sustainable development targets such as the UN sustainable development goals.

7. Understand frameworks established to embed sustainability into organizational DNA, including B Corp certification and other hybrid organization forms.

8. Identify material stakeholders, manage the social and environmental impacts of a business’ activities, and communicate performance through reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative.

9. Recognize the social and environmental impacts of globally distributed value chains and the opportunities for sustainable development at the bottom of the pyramid.

10. Form a holistic view at the leadership level toward corporate social responsibility, linking it to market, industry, and stakeholder demands as well as determining the organizational readiness for innovation.

Social Entrepreneurship

Social Entrepreneurship explores the role of the social entrepreneur in positively impacting socially responsible organizations that are concerned with improving economic, educational, healthcare, and cultural institutions. This course also provides an opportunity to apply the business knowledge and skills acquired in previous core courses in an integrative fashion while emphasizing the development of values-centered leadership skills. Students complete a social entrepreneurship project that is a consulting report in the form of business plans, marketing plans, organizational development recommendations, and financial reports. Students learn to integrate knowledge from all functional areas of business and to apply those skills to complex business problems arising out of changing technology, competitive market conditions, social changes, and governmental actions. The methodology used includes the social entrepreneurship project reports as well as an analysis of project management skills demonstrated by the student teams while working with social enterprises.

Learning Outcomes:

1. A deeper understanding of the growing demand for business leaders equipped with management skills for social enterprises.

2. Client management skills for creating value within an organization.

3. Students’ own personal destiny plans by establishing what is their “Why?”

4. An introduction to the key elements of social entrepreneurship.

5. Project management skills for implementing complex consulting projects.

6. Social enterprise management experience.

7. Firsthand management-level consulting experience that can be featured in a student’s resume and discussed during job interviews.

8. The social entrepreneurship project to feature in a student’s portfolio.

9. The satisfaction that accompanies helping those in need and making this world a better place.

10. Further development of ethical skills and practices that lead to being a values-centered business leader with a well-defined moral compass.

Responsible Business Practice Capstone (SEER Capstone)

In the Responsible Business Practice capstone, students learn to apply the SEER values: environmental stewardship, corporate citizenship, product/service excellence, and financial strength, into any organization. In the course, students work collaboratively to “bolt their ideas and class-discussed concepts to the ground” and to effectively be able to infuse SEER concepts into any type of organization to create longterm shareholder value. Students are required to integrate the four values in building a blueprint for business sustainability. The course is taught from a practitioner’s point of view using a combination of case studies, textbooks, current media, and guest speakers.

Learning Outcomes:

Organizations today need people who understand the system dynamics relationship between corporate social responsibility and financial success. The objective of this class is for the student to be able to integrate the four SEER values into real-world business situations. After successfully mastering the material, it is hoped that students will have the inspiration and skills to begin their journey as progressive business leaders of the 21st century.

To this end we pursue the following:

1. Integration of prior learning: students will be expected to bring every tool in their kit, integrating and building upon the MBA core curriculum, the SEER electives, students’ concentrations, and students’ work backgrounds.

2. Data-driven analysis: emphasize the KPIs within each quadrant of the SEER lens. Identify the gaps between required performance drivers and desired outcomes.

3. Opportunities for innovation and disruptive change: maximize continuous improvement while keeping an entrepreneur’s eye on opportunities for business model reinvention and blue ocean strategies.

4. Learning from real-world pioneers: reading is balanced with casework, with speakers from the trenches, often hearing from participants in the cases we cover in class.

5. Collaborative efforts to feed one another’s knowledge: our collective learning is greater than the sum of our individual efforts.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging explores the management of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) at work and how the human resources management function can contribute to leveraging diversity as a competitive advantage. Using a multilevel approach, the course identifies how individuals, work relationships, teams, and organizations employ DEIB principles. Designed to better prepare HR professionals to meet the challenge of diversity in organizations, the course is taught from an HR practitioner’s point of view using case studies, textbooks, external readings and videos, and current media. The application of DEIB principles to actionable HR topics is studied during interactive class sessions, employing discussion, experiential exercises, presentations, case analyses, and team projects. By the end of this course, students will have a holistic appreciation of the HR tools necessary to implement effective DEIB management practices.

Responsible Artificial Intelligence

Discussions about the emergence of a new generation of powerful artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their potential impacts on people, business, and society are widespread. Predictions about an evolving “smart machine age” and a “fourth industrial revolution” are rampant. Harvard Business School professors Marco Iansiti and Karim Lakhani suggest that AI adoption is no longer a novel experiment but instead lies at the digital core of the modern successful business. Empirical evidence of positive business impacts of AI are also emerging. A study by Deloitte of 1,900 executives in seven countries found that 65 percent of respondents reported that their AI adoptions are enabling them to pull ahead of their competition. From finance to health services, real estate to fast food, AI technologies are being adopted across industries and around the world with reported business benefits ranging from increases in speed and accuracy, to improvements in customer service and engagement, to lower costs. Collectively, AI technologies have been predicted to increase global economic output by $13 trillion by 2029.

However, as with every technology, these exciting potential positive benefits are mirrored by the possibility of significant risks and downsides, both unintended consequences and intentional, irresponsible use. The goal of Responsible Artificial Intelligence is to guide students toward a robust understanding of the potential positive business benefits and negative consequences of what is likely to be the most significant digital technology of the next 20 years, artificial intelligence, and to prepare them to lead and manage responsible business applications of AI.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Know the current landscape of AI technologies and their potential for improving responsible business performance across different industry sectors and stakeholders;

2. Understand the nature of AI technologies and their potential biases, risks, and shortcomings, and the key goals and dynamics of the Responsible AI movement;

3. Be better prepared to lead the design and deployment of AI applications that seek to enhance social, environmental, ethical and economic responsibility.

Master of Science in Global Business

Our highly ranked Master of Science in Global Business caters to a diverse international student body exploring the complexities of global business through a values-based perspective. The program offers a diverse range of global learning experiences designed to prepare ethically focused and entrepreneurially spirited analysts and managers who can influence Individuals, groups, and organizations representing diverse cultures, political, and institutional systems.

Since 2017, the MS in Global Business program has integrated the Global Mindset Inventory (GMI) as a core learning objective. The GMI assesses global thinking and cross-cultural communication and provides tools for individual improvement on the multiple dimensions of the assessment. In addition, beginning in 2019, the SEER framework was also embedded into the core curriculum of the global business program.

Master of Science in Management and Leadership

The online MS in Management and Leadership curriculum at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is designed to train students to manage change at all levels of an organization. The curriculum builds essential expertise in areas including group dynamics, project management, organization and work design, and team and organizational culture. This project gives students the opportunity to work with a nonprofit organization, applying theories, frameworks, and learning from across the program. Students are tasked with developing a professional leadership development plan that showcases the ability to think strategically, consult on complex challenges, and implement recommendations while creating real change for an organization in need.

All MS in Management and Leadership students were eligible to receive the SEER certificate as an elective since 2020, but the 2024 update to the program now ensures that all students in the program will receive the certificate.

Global Programs

A core component of enhancing the global experience and orientation of our students, the business school offers immersive global education opportunities around the world in conjunction with our local partner universities and organizations. Pepperdine enables students to gain direct insight into the global marketplace—and earn course credit—through a variety of study abroad programs. Students gain an understanding of business environments and successful business strategy in another country through one-week abroad courses to Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Students may also choose to engage in a full trimester of study as a student at one of 35 partner universities around the world affording critical tie-ins to responsible and sustainable business practice in another region of the world. Multi-week abroad programs of study are also available and offer valuable learning engagement and networking opportunities overseas.

Students can take advantage of this increasingly sought-after opportunity in two ways: a onetrimester exchange in residence with a partner university, or a one-week global intensive course

One-Trimester Exchange

The one-trimester exchange is open to all full-time MBA and select MS program students. Students can choose from more than 40 universities in 24 countries on five continents at no additional cost. Students gain invaluable experience in addition to enhanced resume credentials and a global business certificate.

Global Business Intensive Courses

Our one-week global intensives offer cultural deep-dives in business epicenters around the world. Open to students of multiple programs as well as alumni, one-week courses are for credit classes that provide a comprehensive exploration of a specific aspect of business in a global environment. All global business intensive courses have been SEER certified for containing content and/or focus areas related to social development and sustainability.

Destinations and themes have included the following:

Graziadio

693.18/485.18

Dublin, Ireland

Graziadio

693.22/485.22

Geneva and Vevey, Switzerland

John Mooney Cole Short

Cristel Russell

Dave Smith

Graziadio

693.28/485.28 Singapore

Abraham Park Robert Lee

Graziadio 693.14

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Graziadio 693.43

Juan, Puerto Rico

Kimber Maderazzo Robert Bikel

Citibank Innovation Lab, Autodesk, Google, Stripe, Smurfit Graduate School of Business, Microsoft, Mastercard, LinkedIn, State Street Global Cybersecurity Center, Fidelity Investments

UN Food Assistance Organization, World Trade Organization, Laudate Deum: Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis (hosted by the Vatican and the UN), Partage, Nespresso, Obrist, Macheret Fromage, Nestlé Switzerland, EHL Hospitality Business School

Urban Redevelopment Authority, Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE), Ohmyhome, Brilliance Capital, IOI Properties, OPERVA. AI, ION Orchard, Raffles Singapore, The Macallan House

FIESP, Retalhar, JBS, Oficina Muda, Leroy Merlin, Human Rights in Brazil, TikTok

Foundation for Puerto Rico, Discover Puerto Rico, Ali Jamal, Casa Bacardi, Hacienda Munoz, Invest Puerto Rico, Concentrico, Sotheby’s International Realty, Alex Kramarchuk (Pepperdine alumnus)

Clockwise from top left: New Zealand, Ireland, Singapore, and Switzerland

San

Jim Salas

Steve Swafford

Entrepreneurship Concentration

All the entrepreneurship courses in our MBA program are SEER focused and meet the requirements of an accredited SEER course. This ensures that the entrepreneurs that graduate from our university are well equipped and ready to start their own businesses with sustainability in the forefront of their minds.

Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD)

Successful organizations thrive when leaders possess not only a strong business acumen, but also a commitment to elevating their human enterprise. Pepperdine Graziadio’s hybrid MS in Organization Development program has earned an international reputation as the premier graduate degree in the organization development field and as an innovator of experiential learning.

Designed for experienced professionals, the program offers a global perspective on strategic change and its impact on organizational effectiveness, while building multicultural competencies critical to business today. Students travel to domestic and international destinations on three different continents (China; Costa Rica; France; Watsonville, California; and Washington, DC) for intensive face-to-face courses where they gain invaluable field experience at leadingedge businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Recent MSOD interventions include:

1. Abira, Japan (fall ’23) - economic development, infrastructure, and education

2. BCON, Japan (fall ’23) - talent retention and well-being

3. International Justice Mission, Washington, DC (fall ’23) - effectiveness in protecting human rights and stopping trafficking

Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA)

The Executive Doctor of Business Administration degree is an academically rigorous program designed specifically for the established executive who would like to deepen and sharpen their professional knowledge through applied research. Business executives enrolled in the program are equipped with the knowledge, competencies, and learning community needed to develop deep, research-based insights into important contemporary business challenges and opportunities. Strongly committed to developing values-centered, purpose-driven leaders that seek to positively impact business practice and society, the program’s core philosophy is consistent with the values and principles that shape Graziadio Business School’s approach to high-touch, student-centered learning.

DBA dissertations have successfully covered scholarship on:

1. Responsible consumption/circular economy

2. Boardroom diversity

3. Corporate governance of sustainability paradoxes

4. Sustainable housing

5. Indigenous businesses

6. Sustainability issue management in SMEs

7. Expanding healthcare access

8. Partnerships for sustainability

9. Homeownership access

10. African American participation in developing responsible AI

11. Clean energy adoption in the US

Executive Certificate in Business Strategies for Sustainability

Based upon the SEER Business Strategy, the two-day Executive Certificate in Business Strategies for Sustainability program teaches how to apply its principles to create superior, sustainable, and profitable products and services. Instruction goes beyond the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profits—to introduce the fourth factor, “product.” The course is co-facilitated by SEER director Robert Bikel and Jolie Gutentag and features guest speakers on topics such as B corporations and circular economy.

Teaching Responsible Management through Multiple Modalities

A 2022 core course survey revealed multiple ways in which faculty include SDG-related content in their pedagogy. SDGs 4, 5, and 8 made the strongest representation in faculty teaching, but all 17 goals were present.

The above pie chart reveals that faculty included sustainability through multiple modalities, including cases, readings, assignments, and activities (including simulations).

Responsible Business Program Learning Outcomes

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is deeply committed to integrating principles of responsible management education (RME) into its curriculum across all programs. By aligning our Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), we ensure that our students develop the skills, values, and knowledge necessary to become leaders who generate sustainable value for business and society. Our programs emphasize ethical decision-making, global responsibility, and leadership that fosters positive social and environmental impact, in line with the PRME principles.

An indicator of our commitment to responsible management education is the intentional integration of PRME principles within our Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) across a diverse range of business programs. Our graduates are equipped to tackle real-world challenges through a lens of ethical leadership, global citizenship, and sustainable business practices. The alignment of our PLOs with PRME principles ensures that our students are prepared not only to excel in their professional careers but also to contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society and the environment. As a result, our programs consistently produce responsible leaders capable of driving change in complex global business environments.

All Graziadio School master’s programs and its successful Executive Doctor of Business Administration program have responsible management education embedded in their respective program learning outcomes. The following table highlights those PLOs and provides links to the PRME Principles of RME.

Full-Time MBA

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

• Effective Leadership: Apply leadership skills to promote organizational viability and drive change. Collaborate with others to build consensus and achieve common goals. Communicate with clarity and credibility to justify courses of action and convey value to relevant audiences.

• Action and Impact: Formulate effective real-world strategies by applying foundational business knowledge and concepts. Generate innovative ideas that explore new opportunities, create value, and solve real-world problems. Incorporate positive social, ethical, and environmental considerations into competitive business strategies.

Business Competency: Evaluate global economic, political, and legal factors influencing business. Perform statistical, financial, and quantitative analyses to draw meaningful conclusions and propose viable actions. Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to make evidenced-based decisions.

Financial Analysis: Draw conclusions from a detailed financial and accounting analysis of a company to recommend courses of action. Assess how the external economic and global environment affects firm performance.

RME SUPPORT

This program strongly supports PRME Principles 1, 2, 3, and 4, focusing on leadership, ethical impact, and global competency.

MS in Applied Finance

Full-Time/Online

MS in Business Analytics

• Financial Management: Present a financial topic in a clear, professional, and organized manner. Integrate concepts from multiple business disciplines to evaluate investment proposals.

• Responsible Decision-Making: Evaluate consequences of ethical dilemmas in business situations. Analyze data to support decision-making within a business setting.

Communications: Prepare and persuasively deliver a business presentation on a topic of interest using multiple audiovisual and digital technologies and tools. Prepare a written report on a business topic that is easy to read, clearly explains any data and analysis, and conveys the value of the findings.

Ethics: Identify an ethical dilemma and select solutions to the dilemma while discussing the consequences of the solutions.

Business Studies: Use technologies to speed up data analysis and decision-making. Independently evaluate and verify data and information. Demonstrate awareness of and responsiveness to dynamic marketplace conditions. Apply critical skills to solve complex business problems. Use strategic thinking to create business action plans. Examine the role of US business in the global economy.

Technical Skills: Manage data for analysis to drive data-driven initiatives. Create solutions using industry-relevant technologies to process and analyze data. Leverage mathematical and statistical models to achieve business objectives.

Applying Analytics in Organizations: Leverage techniques for using data to drive evidence-based decision-making. Integrate global business concepts, organizational change management techniques, and evidence-based decision-making across multiple domains within an enterprise.

• Professional Skills: Communicate analytical insights to appropriate audiences with credibility and clarity. Develop data-driven recommendations based on an understanding of an organization’s business objectives.

• Collaboration: Collaborate with others to build consensus and achieve common goals. Communicate with clarity and professionalism to influence others, encourage engagement, and strengthen relationships. Apply leadership skills to develop meaningful relationships in a global environment.

• Global Orientation: Incorporate positive social, ethical, and environmental considerations into competitive global business strategies. Incorporate diverse perspectives with cultural sensitivity in global business interactions.

Business Competency: Formulate effective strategies for global business and the macro-environment through the integration of foundational business knowledge. Analyze multiple data points to inform evidence-based decision-making for a global product or business plan.

The program aligns with PRME Principles 2 and 3, emphasizing ethical decision-making and holistic financial analysis.

This program supports PRME Principles 1 and 2, focusing on ethics and practical problem solving.

The program supports PRME Principles 3 and 6, focusing on responsible data use and communication.

This program strongly supports PRME Principles 2, 3, and 5, emphasizing global ethics and responsibility.

MS in Business

MS in Global Business

Part-Time MBA/ Online MBA

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

• Real Estate Investment Analysis: Analyze the financial feasibility of various real estate asset classes. Evaluate investment returns using various valuation techniques. Assess investment opportunities in the global real estate market.

• Responsible Decision-Making: Analyze the legal issues in real estate development and transactions. Communicate with professionalism to recommend courses of action and inform optimal decision-making. Integrate real estate business concepts to propose a strategic investment and development project.

Action: Collaborate effectively to build consensus, lead teams, and support organizational change. Compose communication with clarity to encourage engagement, justify courses of action, and convey value. Analyze various data and propose evidence-based decisions and action plans. Examine ethical, cultural, and diverse perspectives in the competitive marketplace.

Impact: Recommend improvements to address business and supply chain operations using management skills and practices. Apply statistical, financial, and accounting analysis to draw conclusions and make recommendations. Assess political and economic factors to determine the impact on production, distribution, investment, and strategy within a global context. Integrate foundational business and general management principles to develop an effective business strategy.

• Leading with Purpose: Interpret business situations and propose actions that reflect root Christian values. Critically self-reflect to develop a context for living their lives and using their strengths to serve others in business. Incorporate the social, environmental, cultural, and ethical implications of conducting business in a global context.

• Leadership Skills in Action: Collaborate with team members to achieve common goals. Communicate effectively using defining terms, appropriate context, precise language, and thoughtful professionalism. Propose solutions and influence courses of action that demonstrate vision, innovativeness, feasibility, and risk assessment.

Applied Professional Skills: Apply business knowledge to real-world situations. Apply financial and quantitative methods in business decision-making. Use data and technology effectively for business.

Communication and Collaboration: Communicate ideas with clarity and composure in business settings. Collaborate effectively in a team setting.

• Knowledge of Human Resources Concepts: Develop a comprehensive talent management plan. Assess the appropriate workplace-related employment laws relative to human resources issues. Create a strategic human resources plan that aligns with and implements the business strategy.

The program aligns with PRME Principles 2 and 4, emphasizing ethical decision-making in real estate.

The program supports PRME Principles 1 and 2, focusing on ethical management and operational improvements.

The program aligns with PRME Principles 1, 2, and 3, emphasizing purpose-driven and ethical leadership.

Online

• Business Acumen: Analyze multiple sources of information to draw evidence-based decisions in a business environment. Propose change intervention strategies as an internal or external change leader. Examine information technology resources and capabilities to promote effective human resource management.

• Global/Ethical: Develop an ethical basis for fostering global, diverse, and inclusive organizational environments. Articulate ethical considerations for HR managers and leaders.

Personal Development: Integrate information from assessments, feedback, and self-reflection into a personal development plan. Communicate effectively in professional interpersonal and group settings.

Values-Centered Leadership: Implement leadership, management, and organizational principles to real-world scenarios. Prioritize thoughtful decision-making in a leadership role that incorporates foundational business concepts, evidence, and organizational goals. Appraise ethical dilemmas by assessing consequences and recommending solutions.

• People Management: Lead diverse teams to build consensus, motivate, and support organizational change. Collaborate effectively within diverse and global business teams with cultural sensitivity as both a contributor and a leader. Manage talent to encourage engagement, resolve conflict, and strengthen relationships.

The program supports PRME Principles 2 and 4, focusing on ethical HR practices and evidence-based decision-making.

The program aligns with PRME Principles 2, 3, and 5, emphasizing ethics, leadership, and cultural sensitivity.

MS in Real Estate

Online BS in Management

MS in Human Resources

Online MS in Management and Leadership

MS in Organization Development

Presidents and Key Executives MBA

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs) RME

• Research Skills: Assess theoretically grounded and methodologically sound research skills. Synthesize relevant theoretical models and past research on a business challenge. Apply and/ or develop theory models and methods into new practice-relevant contexts. Evaluate the current literature and construct a literature review to support a research question.

• Research Methods: Explain epistemology of research and determine appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods. Propose appropriate methods to collect, organize, and analyze data for research. Conduct a research study using quantitative and/or qualitative methods.

Research Dissemination: Create an original research manuscript suitable for publication. Present research in a professional conference setting.

Integrated Research: Critically evaluate current issues, theories, and research in strategic management and responsible business practices. Synthesize theory and applied research on innovative and value-creating products and processes. Synthesize theory and research on global business and economics. Articulate and defend a point of view on business as an integrated practice.

• Personal Leadership Development: Leverage personal, interpersonal, and situational awareness across various organizational settings. Establish communication skills that build credibility and justify courses of action across various stakeholder groups.

• Responsible Leader Action: Address ethical challenges and their impacts on decision-making.

• Business Leader Competency: Formulate evidence-based decision-making and a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate and address business situations. Design an integrated action plan that justifies strategic recommendations, measures outcomes, and implements an overarching strategy.

Knowledge of Self: Identify personal development goals to use self as an instrument of change in consulting. Relate self-knowledge to consulting practice and philosophy.

Knowledge of Organization Development Concepts: Articulate key concepts in organization development. Demonstrate consulting skills and client-centered responses.

• Global/Ethical: Develop a model for ethically entering a culture different from one’s own. Understand the implications and consequences of choosing an organization development intervention in a country other than the United States. Demonstrate competence in requirements of human subjects research.

• Research Skills: Design a study, collect data, analyze results, and make recommendations for research and practice.

Discipline-Specific PLOs: Leverage executive presence to build a productive culture. Articulate the role of marketing within the business environment. Evaluate global economic factors that impact business strategy. Analyze financial statements for effective decision-making. Implement a new vision, mission, strategy, and business model for profit and growth.

• Global Perspective: Analyze complexities of global markets influencing international business strategies.

• Business Competency: Use relevant data to navigate complex business challenges. Develop a comprehensive business strategy to build a lasting competitive edge. Use communication and collaboration skills to build effective teams.

2022 Core Survey Results

Events, Guest Speakers, and Showcases

The program strongly supports PRME Principles 4 and 6, focusing on research and dialogue in ethical business practices.

The program supports PRME Principles 2 and 3, focusing on ethical leadership and comprehensive decision-making.

The program aligns with PRME Principles 2, 4, and 5, emphasizing ethics and research in global organizational development.

The program supports PRME Principles 1, 3, and 5, emphasizing global strategy and leadership development.

Throughout the year, the Graziadio Business School organizes and participates in events that create the opportunity for two-way dialogue between students and the broader community. These events cover the full spectrum of business-related topics and include notable events dedicated to sustainability and social impact.

Executive DBA

Executive MBA

Select events include:

Company Visit: MaCher Venice

February 1, 2024

Students from the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School participated in an engaging company visit to MaCher, a certified B Corporation with offices in the USA, UK, and Switzerland. Hosted at their Venice location, senior executives Patrick Marsden and Jamila Jackson provided an in-depth overview of the company’s unique business and sustainability challenges, as well as their distinctive self-management culture. The visit sparked enthusiastic discussions among the students, who contributed innovative ideas to MaCher’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Giving

Back

with Impact:

February 22, 2024

Discussion with Keith Eshelman and Karl Vaillancourt

Organized by the Career and Professional Development department and moderated by professor Robert Bikel, director and lead faculty for the SEER program, this event featured alumni Keith Eshelman (MBA ‘08), cofounder and CEO of Parks Project, and Karl Vaillancourt (MBA ‘06), principal of Precision Construction Services. The discussion focused on the intersection of social enterprise and career development, with both speakers highlighting how leading with purpose can drive significant change in communities while fulfilling personal and professional goals. This session exemplified the Graziadio Business School’s commitment to cultivating leaders who prioritize social impact in their business endeavors.

10th Annual SEER Symposium: Putting Purpose to Work

March 15, 2024

The 10th annual SEER Symposium, held on March 15, 2024, underscored the importance of integrating business strategy with a higher purpose. The event featured keynote speakers Tom Vozzo, CEO of Homeboy Industries; Linden Mallory of Patagonia; Chuck Garrett from Cherokee Nation Businesses; and branding expert Denise Roberson. Discussions ranged from Vozzo’s innovative funding strategies for nonprofit expansion, Mallory’s insights into Patagonia’s sustainable practices, Garrett’s emphasis on incorporating Cherokee values in business growth, to Roberson’s take on the impact of corporate authenticity on societal outcomes. The symposium drew a diverse audience, including members of Los Angeles’ social enterprise community, who actively engaged in the conversations.

The event concluded with a lively networking session and an expo showcasing organizations such as certified B Corp MaCher and Conscious Capitalism Los Angeles. Special recognition was given to the Palmer Center, Graziadio Board chair Steve Calvillo, and particularly to Kenisha Danley and her team for their crucial role in organizing this impactful event, reinforcing the SEER program’s leadership in social enterprise education.

Case Competitions

Graziadio Business School students have the opportunity to participate in numerous case competitions, some with explicit sustainability objectives. Recent competitions hosted by the school include NBCU and the Honest Company. Additionally, a team from Graziadio came in third place at the prestigious 2023 National MBA Case Competition in Ethical Leadership at Baylor University.

PRINCIPLE : Research

We study people, organizations, institutions, and the state of the world to inspire responsible management and education practice.

Faculty Research Connected to SDGs

Our Achievements

Keyword analysis shows that faculty research touched on 13 of the 17 SDGs, with strongest representation in Goals 5, 8, 9, and 10. In addition to the majority of research published in peer-reviewed academic journals, our faculty published their findings and thought leadership across a wide range of outlets including practitioner journals, popular press, and wide-circulation blogs.

Over time, we see a consistent proportion of faculty research that touches on the sustainable development goals. Over a third of faculty publications relate to one or more SDGs over the last five years, and the trend is expected to continue.

Brandon K Parsons; Shahdad Nagshpour Panel Data Analysis of Ethnic Fractionalization, Ethnic Tension,

Brandon K Parsons

Stephen Gibson; Kevin Groves; Cristina Gibson; Jaclyn Margolis; Jennifer Franczak; Bobbi Thomason

Jared K Ashworth; Michael Olabisi

Tension, and the Gini Coefficient.

Cristel A Russell; Dale Russell; Christine Harris

Jeonghyun Chung; Michael A Cusumano; Abraham Park; Dongshin Kim

Levan

Tina Opie; Bobbi Thomason; Traci Sitzmann; Beth Livingston

Cristina B Gibson; Zilinskaite Milda; Aida Hajro

Howard D Fountaine; Clemens E Kownatzki

Pureum Kim; Abraham Park; Anna Choi

Youngme Seo; Julia Freybote; Dongshin Kim; Davin Raiha

Jolie L Gutentag; Cristel A Russell

Brandon K Parsons; Shahdad Naghshpour

and the Gini Coefficient

Alex Newman; John Potter; Paul Rentfrow; Martin Obschonka; Cristina B Gibson; Sam Gosling Corruption revisited: The influence of national personality, culture, and wealth

Francisco Valenzuela; Ann E Feyerherm; Ignacio Pavez; Danielle Zandee Collaborating Across Organizational Boundaries to Co-Create a More Just, Resilient, and Thriving Society

Stephen C Gibson; Alessandro Rigolon

Dale Russell; Ron Hill; Cristel A Russell Mental Health Service Utilization After Military Missions: The Double-Edged Consequences of UnitLevel Organizational Support

Charles D Kerns Indexing Leader Well-Being: A Qualitative Assessment Approach

Cristel A Russell; Ronald Paul Hill; Dale Russell Unintended Consequences of Organizational Support in the Use of Mental Health Services: Evidence from Soldiers During a Combat Deployment to Afghanistan

Cristel A Russell; Dale W Russell; Pete G Roma Stimulant Use in High-Stress Operational Environments: Countermeasure or Counterproductive?

Charles D Kerns Optimizing performance, well-being and well-doing: A leader practice-oriented approach

Cristina B Gibson; Christine Porath; Gretchen Spritzer To thrive or not to thrive: Pathways to sustaining thriving at work

Cristel A Russell; Dale W Russell; Jason Jameson; Jacob S Brookfield The Evolution of Substance Use across a Combat Deployment Cycle

Kevin S Groves; Michael M LaRocca

Transformational Leadership in Extreme Contexts: Associations with Posttraumatic Growth and Self-Efficacy Among Combat Veterans

Charles D Kerns Well-Being and Well-Doing as a Quality Dimension in Auditing Organizational Effectiveness

Charles D Kerns Corperformance: A holistic-integrative leadership system for enhancing performance, well-being, and well-doing

Stephen Fox; Charla C Griffy-Brown

Machine learning in society: Technology in Society Briefing

Charla C Griffy-Brown; Stephen Fox Artificial intelligence in society: Technology in Society Briefing

David M Smith Job skills critical as California faces employment slowdown

Jillian Alderman Discussion of: The effect of client gender and negotiation style on auditors’ proposed audit adjustments

Stephen E. Lanivich; Samuel Adomako; Jennifer L Franczak Filling institutional voids: Combinative effects of institutional shortcomings and gender on the alertness - opportunity recognition relationship

Hannah Riley Bowles; Inmaculada Macias-Alonso; Bobbi Thomason When gender matters in organizational negotiations

Mark Anthony Tribbitt; Richard C Walton Examining the Impact of Female Executive Influence Within the TMT on Firm Performance

Dana M Sumpter; Mona Zanhour The Entrenchment of the Ideal Worker Norm During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Working Mothers in the US

Ke Gong; Owen Parker; Spencer Fraseur (Role: Graduate Student); Yi Shi Zhou (Role: Graduate Student); Cole E Short

Censor-Me-Note: Gender, Leadership Style, and Censorship Tolerance in Film

Vrinda Khattar; Upasna Agarwal; Dana M Sumpter Organizational practice boundaries experienced by Indian women in a masculinized context

Richard C Walton; Mark Anthony Tribbitt The Impact of Gender Influence on Firm Innovation

Andrea Bentancor; Bobbi Thomason; Gonzalo Vald’es; Constanza Troncoso; Isidora Jeria Technology, Gender, and Organizations: A Systematic Mapping Study

Kevin S Groves Developing and validating a model of leadership potential for VUCA environments

Dana Sumpter; Bobbi Thomason; Nitya Chawla; Allison Gabriel; Danna Greenberg; Curba Lampert; Kristie Moergen; Elizabeth Umphress How organizations can take a lead in protecting reproductive rights

Kevin S Groves; Edward Piecek Transparent leadership: Cultivating sustainable leader-follower relationships for the new era of work and organizations

Howard D Fountaine; Richard T Herko; Lee Katz Water Rights in California: Competition and Cooperation in a Dynamic Environment

Charles D Kerns Practicing wise warmly assertive caring teaching leadership: A practice-oriented profile

Cristina B Gibson; Charles George; Jennifer Barbour Shared leadership and team effectiveness: Do traditionalism and virtuality matter?

Charles D Kerns Intentionally managing habitual behaviors: A multi-modal leader self-control framework and profile

Chris G Worley; Rachel Beaujolin Navigating Conflicting Influences During Complex Strategic Changes: The Contribution of Diagnosis, Congruence, and Leadership

Charles D Kerns Well-doing: A managerial leadership practice oriented approach

Traci Sitzmann; Bobbi Thomason Business Leaders Need to Rise Above Anti-Woke Attacks

Cole E Short; Jeremy C Short The Artificially Intelligent Entrepreneur: ChatGPT, Prompt Engineering, and Entrepreneurial Rhetoric Creation

Charles Vance; Kevin S Groves Avoiding critical entrepreneurial cognitive errors through thinking style balance.

Brandon K Parsons Political Polarization and Internal Conflict: A Cross-National Analysis Using Popular Support and Government Cohesion as Proxies

Dale Russell; Cristel A Russell; Zhike Lei Development and Validity Testing of a Safety Climate

Keith Mandel; Kevin S Groves Future Scoping Group Dynamics Among Change Leaders: Widen the Lens on Climate and Safety Risks for Organizational Change

Min Kim; Kwangjin Lee; Jason Shin Local Newspaper Layoffs and Workplace Safety

Clark D Johnson; Nitish Singh; Xixi Li; Brittney C Bauer The Role of Cultural Intelligence in Cross-Border Corporate Social Responsibility: Top Management Team as the Moral Compass

Indrarini Laksmana; Maretno A. Harjoto; Hoyoung Kim Managing disclosure of political risk: The case of socially responsible firms

Maretno A. Harjoto; Andreas Hoepner; Artie W. Ng; Tiffany Leung

Cristel A Russell; Linda Lemarie; Florent Girardin

Dale Russell; Cristel A Russell; Zhike Lei

Cole E Short; Rosa Kim; Jeanine Porck; Owen N Parker

Cristel A

Clark D Johnson; Carl P Maertz; Brittney C

F Granados

Elisa Monnot; Fanny Reniou; Cristel A Russell

Celine Del Bucchia; Cristel A Russell; Claire Burlat; Caroline Lancelot Miltgen

Nelson F Granados Rugeles; Doreen E Shanahan; Cristel A Russell

Erik J Krogh; Michael L Williams

Mark W S Chun; Charla C Griffy-Brown

Faculty Research Events

Pepperdine Graziadio Business School hosts various faculty research events that emphasize interdisciplinary exploration and responsible management education. These events include the Research Journey Speaker Series, the PEP Talks Research Seminar, and the Pitch and Posters forum, which showcases faculty research on topics like responsible leadership and sustainability. Additionally, the Annual DBA-CAR Conference serves as a platform for cutting-edge research discussions, engaging both faculty and industry leaders. Past events have also featured keynotes and panels focused on enhancing research excellence.

For more details, visit Graziadio Business School Faculty Research Events.

DBA Research

DBA Doctoral Dissertations

Select recent and ongoing sustainability-related DBA research includes:

1. Aliyu Ahmed: “The Relationships Among Financial Literacy, Financial Behaviors, Financial Attitudes, and Holding a Mortgage within Low-Moderate-Income Households in Los Angeles County”

2. Melanie Venture: “Cross-Sector Partnerships and the Strategies that Lead to Social Impact”

3. Claudio Ludovisi: “The Power of Organizational Purpose in Customer Engagement”

4. Ruth Prato: “The Latina Leadership Journey: Experiences of Latina Partners in Accounting Firms”

5. Tim Webb: “The End of Financial Exclusion? The Promise of Fintech and ESG Performance”

6. Prince Abubakari: “Governance and Human Factors Affecting Risk Management of Critical Cybersecurity Infrastructure”

7. Elizabeth Adams: “Leadership of Responsible AI: Employee Stakeholder Participation in the Creation of Shaping Artifacts”

8. DeJuan Price: “Black Women Founders, Social Capital, and Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy”

9. Mariela Salas: “Increasing Latinx Representation in the Venture Capital Ecosystem”

10. Cezhan Ambrose: ”Measuring the Impact of Corporate Governance on Environmental Sustainability Outcomes”

PRINCIPLE : Partner

We engage people from business, government, civil society, and academia to advance responsible and accountable management education and practice.

The Graziadio School engages with the broader business community through collaborative learning structures, global intensive exchanges, and formal partnerships.

E2B

Pepperdine E2B is a formalized approach to experiential learning through client-based projects exclusive to the Graziadio School. In this high-impact module, we connect MBA students with executives to address complex issues facing today’s most notable organizations. We partner with global powerhouses, regional brands, and startups. As a result, students hone communication skills and flex creative thinking at a pace and intensity exceeding internships and practicums.

Through this hands-on learning initiative, our students are empowered in their education. This practical, results-oriented program goes beyond theory and elevates a student’s understanding. Integral to Graziadio’s learning experience, Pepperdine E2B takes on 60 live case consulting projects annually in four different disciplines.

Select Sustainability-Related E2B Engagements included:

Ice Cream

Drew

Steel Environmental, LLC

Partner Engineering and Sciences, Inc.

Össur

Developed a marketing plan to increase sales through various channels on college campuses.

Developed a communication plan to increase awareness of undergraduate and nursing programs.

Evaluated opportunities in the African market for SulNOx Fuel Emulsifier and developed a go-to-market strategy.

Developed a plan to grow the user base for SiteLynx® and increase usage.

Created a marketing plan for rebranding and market penetration.

MaCher Identified target markets and developed a communication strategy.

Ice Cream produces a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, focusing on low sugar and calories, and the use of lactose-free dairy.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science is a private nonprofit institution focused on healthcare education and promoting health equity.

Focuses on innovative solutions for environmental sustainability, including fuel emulsifiers.

Provides engineering, environmental, and energy consulting services.

Specializes in noninvasive orthopedics, including prosthetics, braces, and supports.

Designs and manufactures promotional products and packaging solutions with a focus on sustainability.

ReThink

ReThink

Charles R.

University of Medicine and Science

E2C

In the Education to Community (E2C) Capstone Project, students in the Master of Science Management and Leadership (MSML) program provide a summative reflection integrating and applying theories, frameworks, and learning from across the MSML program, including understanding of organizations as complex systems. Working exclusively with nonprofit client organizations, student teams develop personal and professional leadership development plans that articulate core values, mission, and strategic imperatives.

Recent E2C Consulting Projects have included: ORGANIZATION

Neighborhood House

HANDY, Inc

Sunrise Children’s Foundation

Fieldstone Leadership Network

Engaged in organizational and human capital capacity building.

Focused on sustainable organizational structure and design.

Engaged in leadership development and effective change.

Organizational development and human capital capacity building.

School on Wheels Consulted on various aspects of nonprofit management.

Additional E2C engagements included:

1. Northwest Association for Blind Athletes located in Vancouver, Washington but serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana

2. Unite the People located in Long Beach, California

3. Higher Ground for Humanity, Los Angeles, California

4. Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center, Riverside, California

5. Stiles Hall, Berkeley, California

Provides services and programs aimed at improving the well-being of individuals and families in the community.

Supports at-risk youth in their transition to adulthood through education, employment, and life skills training.

Provides developmental and health services for young children and families.

Offers leadership development programs and resources to nonprofit and community leaders.

Provides educational support and tutoring to children experiencing homelessness, helping them succeed in school.

Master of Science in Organizational Development

As mentioned earlier, the MSOD program includes consulting projects to help clients improve organizational effectiveness. Recent MSOD interventions include:

1. Abira, Japan (fall ’23) - economic development, infrastructure, and education

2. BCON, Japan (fall ’23) - talent retention and well-being

3. International Justice Mission, Washington, DC (fall ’23) - effectiveness in protecting human rights and stopping trafficking.

Global Business Intensives

As mentioned above, recent Global Business Intensives with SEER relevance include:

1. Dublin, Ireland (Lead: John Mooney)Cybersecurity and digital privacy

2. Geneva and Vevey, Switzerland (Lead: Cristel Russell) - Food (in)security and climate impacts

3. Singapore (Lead: Abraham Park)Urban redevelopment

4. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Lead: Kimber Maderazzo) - Corporate sustainability, circular economy, upcycling

5. San Juan, Puerto Rico (Lead: Jim Salas) - Sustainable development and community resilience

Accredited status through AACSB and WASC Senior College and University Commission

The Graziadio School is accredited by the prestigious AACSB International – the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Fewer than 5 percent of business schools worldwide have earned this distinguished hallmark of excellence in management education. AACSB International is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools. To maintain accreditation, a business program must undergo a rigorous internal review in which the program demonstrates its continued commitment to the nine quality standards relating to Strategic Management and Innovation, Learner Success, and Thought Leadership, Engagement, and Societal Impact. In addition to ensuring quality standards, AACSB accreditation also compels the Graziadio School to actively engage with our communities and networks and to continuously innovate in our programs so that we can achieve global distinction for developing values-centered leaders who positively impact business and society.

Pepperdine University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission,1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, California 94501, 510.748.9001.

bschool.pepperdine.edu/about/at-a-glance/ accreditation/

aacsb.edu/accredited/p/pepperdine-graziadiobusiness-school-pepperdine-university wscuc.org/institutions/pepperdine-university

Most Fundable Companies

The Most Fundable Companies List is an annual program hosted by the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School aimed to promote startup business development by providing pathways for startup funding and inspiring entrepreneurial spirit across the nation. In our seventh year, more than 2,000 early-stage US startups from across all 50 states vied for a space on the list. All 18 winners are worthy of serious investor consideration based on several company variables including financial projections, market opportunity, intellectual property, competitive advantage, and management-team expertise.

Examples from a recent list include:

One Health Group Platinum Provides advanced medical solutions for better health outcomes. 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

ViCardia Therapeutics, Inc. Platinum Develops treatments for acute heart failure. 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

AllSides Technologies, Inc. Gold Addresses media bias and misinformation. 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions)

NuvOx Pharma, LLC Gold Offers treatments for hypoxia and related health conditions.

3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Ready. Set. Food! Silver Provides a system to prevent food allergies in children. 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Novuson Surgical, Inc. Bronze Develops ultrasound surgical instruments for safer surgeries. 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

Opus Medical Therapies, LLC Bronze Develops innovative valve replacement systems. 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

PRINCIPLE : Practice

We adopt responsible and accountable management principles in our own governance and operations.

Policies and Targets

As part of Pepperdine University, the business school shares the University’s overall commitment to improving social and environmental impact.

Please see below for but a few representative examples that highlight the University’s longstanding, demonstrable commitment to sustainability. The list includes Pepperdine University’s sustainability; social impact; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) initiatives, categorized by events, practices, programs, and DEIB efforts, and aligned with relevant United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs):

Events

The University continued to facilitate and/or support/ fund a variety of sustainability-oriented events such as the following (in addition to beach cleanups, on-campus organic community garden planting days, biweekly farmers markets, new employee orientation sustainability presentations, etc.):

Step Forward Day

• Date: Saturday, September 9, 2023

• Location: Various locations across Southern California

• Description: An annual day of service involving students, faculty, staff, and alumni in community service projects such as environmental cleanups, food distribution, and mentoring.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 1: No Poverty

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Pepperdine University)

Global Justice Program’s Annual Symposium

• Date: Friday, February 16, 2024

• Location: Caruso School of Law, Malibu Campus

• Description: A symposium focused on global justice issues, including human rights, civil rights, and social justice, encouraging legal professionals to engage in public interest work.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Pepperdine University)

SEER Symposium

• Date: Friday, February 23, 2024

• Location: Graziadio Business School, West Los Angeles Campus

• Description: An event centered on sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility in business, featuring discussions with industry leaders and academics.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (Pepperdine University)

Social Innovation Challenge

• Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: A competition that encourages students to develop innovative solutions to social issues, with successful projects receiving funding for implementation.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities (Pepperdine Graphic)

Climate Calling Conference

• Date: April 9–11, 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus (Elkins Auditorium, Joslyn Plaza)

• Description: An annual conference addressing climate change and environmental justice, featuring keynote lectures, student presentations, and sustainability activities.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» SDG 15: Life on Land (Pepperdine University)

Earth Day Fair

• Date: April 9, 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus (Joslyn Plaza)

• Description: An event featuring more than 15 sustainability-oriented organizations, including community partners such as Tesla, Poison Free Malibu, and various governmental and nonprofit organizations. The fair facilitated discussions on sustainable practices, provided networking opportunities, and highlighted Pepperdine’s leadership in sustainability.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (Pepperdine University).

E-Waste Drive

• Date: April 10, 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus (HAWC and Drescher Campus)

• Description: A partnership with ER2 to collect approximately 550 pounds of e-waste, with Pepperdine’s Information Technology team managing the appropriate disposal of e-waste generated by the University.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 13: Climate Action (Pepperdine University).

Clean Energy and Nuclear Power Conference

• Date: March 27, 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus (Wilburn Auditorium, Drescher Graduate Campus)

• Description: Sponsored by Seaver College, the Center for Sustainability, and the Office of the Provost, the Clean Energy and Nuclear Power Conference featured a panel of energy experts discussing clean energy and the role of nuclear power in reducing carbon emissions.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» SDG 13: Climate Action (Pepperdine University).

Practices

Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• Date: January 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine increased the number of electric vehicle charging ports on campus, promoting sustainable transportation options for the University community.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Mixed Recycling Waste Receptacles

• Date: 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Introduction of mixed recycling bins that separate landfill waste from recyclable materials, enhancing campus-wide waste management and recycling efforts.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Composting and Community Garden

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Development of a compost garden to complement the existing community garden, promoting sustainable agriculture and organic waste recycling on campus.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 2: Zero Hunger

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Organic Waste Collection Efforts

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Extensive organic waste collection, including food waste from campus dining facilities, student residences, and faculty/staff condominiums. The waste is sorted off-site to remove contaminants and then transferred to an anaerobic digestion facility. The University is adding more organic food waste bins, educational signage, and countertop compost bins for student residences, and offering reusable “stasher” bags to promote sustainable practices.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Phade Straws Initiative

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Partnership with Bon Appétit to introduce Phade straws, a marine biodegradable material, to campus dining facilities.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 14: Life Below Water

» Sources: Pepperdine University.

Ozzy Box Campaign

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Collaboration with the Student Government Association on the “Ozzy Box Campaign,” a reusable green box program administered by the University’s Dining Services team.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Sustainability Checklists

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Creation of sustainability checklists to guide students and staff in making sustainable choices in Waves Cafe.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Clean Power Alliance Participation

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: The University continues to opt-in to the Clean Power Alliance program, ensuring that generally 50 percent of Pepperdine’s electricity is derived from renewable sources.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Campus Preservation and Open Space

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine preserves more than 550 acres (~66 percent) of its campus as open space, contributing to biodiversity and environmental conservation.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 15: Life on Land

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Irrigation with Recycled Water

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Approximately 97 percent of Pepperdine’s campus is irrigated with tertiarytreated recycled water. The system uses a sophisticated hydrogeologic monitoring program to optimize water use, conserving billions of gallons of potable water. On-campus lakes used for water storage are treated with nano bubble aeration to improve plant health and reduce fertilizer use.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

» SDG 15: Life on Land

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Water Conservation and Landscaping

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Transition of certain landscaped areas to plants with lower water demand as part of ongoing water conservation efforts.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

» SDG 15: Life on Land

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Vanpool Program for Faculty and Staff

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine continues to maintain a vanpool program for faculty and staff commuting to the Malibu campus, with routes covering 10 distinct common-commuting locations, promoting sustainable transportation.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Athletics/Events Center Construction

• Date: 2024–2026

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Construction progress on the Athletics/Events Center, slated to open in 2026, which will feature two LEED-Silver Certified buildings, energy-efficient systems, droughttolerant landscaping, and other sustainable features.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Globe Light Replacement Project

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine is expediting its comprehensive globe light replacement project, replacing globe lights with dark sky-compatible lighting to reduce light pollution, with a focus on various campus areas including the Enhanced Parking and Storage Project, Athletics/Events Center, and the law school parking lot.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

LED Lighting Retrofits

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: On-campus light bulbs are being retrofitted with LED bulbs to promote energy efficiency, with projects ranging from large-scale areas like the Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center to individual office spaces.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Plant and Landscape Management

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine preserves and enhances plant life by maintaining proper mowing heights, controlling clippings and thatch growth, regular aerification, and ensuring proper oxygen levels in irrigation. Pesticides are applied with precision to minimize environmental impact.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 15: Life on Land

» Sources: Pepperdine University.

HVAC System Efficiency

• Date: 2024 (ongoing)

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: The University’s HVAC system is integrated with 25Live to optimize heating and cooling, reducing energy use by adjusting operation based on occupancy and peak times. Regular preventative maintenance enhances efficiency and longevity.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

» Sources: Pepperdine University.

Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

• Date: January 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Pepperdine increased the number of electric vehicle charging ports on campus, promoting sustainable transportation options for the University community.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

» SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

» Sources: Pepperdine Graphic.

Mixed Recycling Waste Receptacles

• Date: 2024

• Location: Malibu Campus

• Description: Introduction of mixed recycling bins that separate landfill waste from recyclable materials, enhancing campus-wide waste management and recycling efforts.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» Sources: Pepperdine Graphic

Programs

SEER (Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible) Certificate Program

• School: Graziadio Business School

• Description: A master’s-level certificate program emphasizing sustainability, ethical business practices, and corporate social responsibility, preparing students to lead in socially responsible ways.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

» SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

» Sources: Pepperdine University.

Sustainability Minor

• School: Seaver College

• Description: An interdisciplinary minor that explores sustainable development, environmental policy, and ethics, equipping students to tackle environmental challenges.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 4: Quality Education

» SDG 13: Climate Action

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Social Entrepreneurship and Change Program

• School: Graduate School of Education and Psychology

• Description: A program designed to empower students to create sustainable social change, with a focus on social entrepreneurship, nonprofit management, and community development.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 1: No Poverty

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Public Interest Law Program

• School: Caruso School of Law

• Description: A program offering courses and experiences in public interest law, focusing on human rights, civil rights, and social justice, preparing students for careers in public service.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Global Leadership Doctoral Program

• School: Graduate School of Education and Psychology

• Description: A doctoral program focusing on ethical leadership and sustainable development in global contexts, training students to address international challenges.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 4: Quality Education

» SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

» Sources: Pepperdine Graphic

DEIB Efforts

Pepperdine’s Cross-Cultural Competency Program

• School: University-wide

• Description: This program offers workshops and training to enhance cultural competency across the campus community, ensuring that students, faculty, and staff are equipped to engage effectively in diverse environments.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

» Sources: Pepperdine University

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

• School: University-wide

• Description: This office oversees various programs aimed at promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging across the University. Initiatives include diversity training, support for underrepresented groups, and DEIB-focused events.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 4: Quality Education

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» Sources: Pepperdine University

Student-Led DEIB Initiatives

• School: University-wide

• Description: Pepperdine supports numerous student organizations that focus on social justice and inclusion, such as the Black Student Association and the Latino Student Association. These groups host events and campaigns to promote diversity and cultural awareness on campus.

• Relevant SDGs:

» SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

» SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

» Sources: Pepperdine University

The above initiatives showcase Pepperdine University’s comprehensive approach to advancing sustainability; social impact; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; aligned with the global goals set by the United Nations.

PRINCIPLE : Share

Advancing Ethics in Business for More Than 40 Years

The Graziadio Business School is proud to share its efforts on inculcating a sense of societal responsibility throughout its programs and its interactions with the community and the world at large. We disclose these efforts through our website and in various communications including the PRME SIP Report. bschool.pepperdine.edu/about/at-a-glance/csr/ bschool.pepperdine.edu/about/at-a-glance/prmereport.htm

Although corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a topic of increased discussion in business, the Graziadio School has focused on CSR for more than 40 years. In fact, the very core of the Graziadio School mission is based on CSR.

We call it values-centered leadership

CSR is woven into all aspects of a Graziadio School education, including curriculum, student clubs and activities, campus events, and faculty research. Some of these issues include:

1. Sustainability and environmental stewardship

2. Ethics in business

3. Social entrepreneurship and social enterprise

4. Service to community

5. Global corporate citizenship