Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society
The Center for Professional Responsibility in Business and Society leads the discussion about society's expectations for a professional's responsibility at both the individual and organizational level. The Center supports the creation and sharing of academic research and educational materials that demonstrate the value of conducting business professionally so as to serve and protect the broader public interest. The Center was initially funded with generous, separate donations from Deloitte and with some of the remaining funds following a judicial settlement. Deloitte has made subsequent gifts in support of the Center's educational and conference programming, as have other corporations including BP, Ingredion, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft.
Our Mission
Inspiring new dimensions of professional responsibility to improve decision making for the betterment or organizations and society.
Areas of Focus
Sustainability
Sustainability is essential for ensuring peace and prosperity for people and the planet. The Center is committed to promoting robust sustainability efforts in alignment with the 17 UN Sustainability Goals. Through our research and extensive involvement, we aim to help businesses incorporate sustainability into their strategic initiatives and reporting processes.
Trust & Mistrust
Organizational excellence is founded on trust. Alarmingly, public trust in institutions from government to corporations to media is rapidly eroding. The Center is uniquely situated to facilitate meaningful, dynamic engagement between scholars, corporate leaders, and policymakers – paving the way for timely and meaningful research.
Well-being
An individual’s well-being at work touches all aspects of their life. CPRBS supports research that examines a wide array of social touchpoints that contribute to well-being. Through its thought leadership, access to world-renowned researchers, and extensive corporate network, CPRBS is well-positioned to contribute to an individual’s well-being, as well as that of society.
Academic Resources
The Center strives to inspire new dimensions in organizational decision making through the conceptual development, research, and practical application of professional responsibility through the creation, delivery, and sharing of academic research and educational materials. Each year, the Center provides grants and funding for research projects. In addition, we provide access to a diverse and comprehensive array of resources tailored to the academic community.
Education
The Center promotes the development of responsible professional behavior in today's students, enabling them to become effective leaders in constantly changing and challenging business environments. Since its inception, the Center has designed, funded, and instituted multiple undergraduate academic courses, including Business 101: An Introduction to Professional Responsibility, Business 302: Principles of Professional Responsibility, and Business Administration 340: Ethical Dilemmas of Business. Over the past decade, thousands of students have benefited from these courses.
Public Engagement
In fulfilling its mission, the Center works cooperatively with multiple audiences, including university faculty, students, and staff; professional and academic organizations; corporations; and governmental and non-governmental agencies. Each of these audiences utilizes an extensive collection of resources offered through the Center.
People at CPRBS
Oscar Ybarra
Academic Director
Professor of Business Administration
Center for Professional Responsibility Fellow
Nicola Sharpe
Associate Academic Director
Professor in College of Law
Director, Chicago Business Law Program
Fei Du
Associate Academic Director
Associate Professor of Accountancy
Associate Arthur Anderson Fellowship in Accountancy