Determining the need for environmental education in the curriculum of management learners on tertiary level

Abstract

Dwindling natural resources, the impact of the greenhouse effect and infrastructure that is resource intensive are becoming a global problem. Signs of unsustainability can be identified in various events worldwide. The above poses an important question: who should be responsible for the protection of natural resources? This question is debatable when reference is made to groups such as governments, consumers and business organisations. However, the destruction of the environment cannot continue and it becomes a problem that should be pondered by humanity at large. This leads to the role of education in environmental protection, and in this study specifically to the education of managers. An organisation's base rests on management's philosophy, values, vision and goals. Clearly, a manager's influence can have immense influence on the organisation, its goals and involvement in environmental protection. Taking the above into consideration, this study's objective is to determine if environmental education should be included in the curriculum of management learners on tertiary level. To achieve this objective, exploratory research-was used-to learn more about the dilemma or problem identified. Through interviews (qualitative research) with interest groups such as managers, lecturers and learners in management studies, the attitude of these groups were tested regarding the above objective. Based on the study the following recommendations could be made: • The state of the environment is of great concern and is a global phenomenon affecting all humanity, not only certain groups. • Managers can play a much greater role in the protection of the environment. • Governments and people in leadership positions should decide and put legislation in place that could play an important role in the protection of the environment. • Education plays a vital role in educating people and ensures a better understanding of the role of humanity in the protection of the environment. • Environmental protection should be implemented at all levels of the education system. • There should be structured guidelines for management students to ensure the implementation of effective and efficient environmental protection programmes in organisations and societies.