Online degree candidates can learn character development

Online degree candidates can learn character development

Students and working adults may consider enrolling in online courses in business ethics, as recent research suggests character may be integral to a successful career.

Professors at Kansas State University found that business students may not exhibit all of the traits they believe are characteristic of top executives, according to the school's website.

Researchers measured the character strength of students in several dimensions - including valor, hope, zest, honesty, critical thinking, kindness and gratitude - and asked study participants to evaluate what they believed to be the most important traits of a business professional.

When asked to list the characteristics they felt a good manager needed to possess, the MBA students ranked social intelligence and a love of learning the highest.

However, when respondents named their own best qualities, these two traits were reported at the bottom of the list.

Consequently, study leader Thomas A. Wright suggests morals and ethics need to become primary focuses of business education.

"If the development of character is important, many of our students are entering the workplace woefully lacking in a number of the prerequisites necessary for success," he said.

Current and prospective business professionals may boost their careers by enrolling in ethics classes offered by on-campus and online universities.