| Abstract: |
After a short sketch of the history of modern business schools in the German
speaking countries, their four major activity fields are considered: (i)
academic teaching, (ii) scientific research, (iii) consulting and (iv)
executive education. While teaching was traditionally dominant, research has
gained more importance in recent decades, not only in Economics but also in
Management departments. With respect to consulting, we have to distinguish
between consulting for governments by economists and for private companies by
professors of management. Executive education is mainly a domain of management
(and law) departments; economists only play a minor role in this area. We
conclude with discussing some of the ethical questions with which Economics
and Management departments are confronted today. |