Two Major Concerns About Service-Learning: What if We Don't Do It? And What if We Do?

Abstract

American higher education has failed to cultivate a public conscience, insulating graduates from the consequences of their decisions in the lives of others; service-learning is presented as a remedy. This article traces the history of the Academy of Management service-learning initiatives. The reasons for these initiatives, including recent criticisms of higher education in general, and the shortcomings of management education in particular, are discussed. These shortcomings include isolationism within sectors and failure to prepare students for the responsible exercise of authority. Faculty members, as academics, have responsibilities as educators in society that require extending their vision beyond narrow disciplines for the purpose of enhancing the greater good.