From knowledge to wisdom in sustainable management education - Insights from a B Corp course

Abstract

In response to complex global challenges, higher education has seen a growing focus on developing not only skills and knowledge but also psychological wisdom. This study applies the Holistic Wisdom Model (HWM) as a theoretical framework to explore how practice-integrated learning can foster the development of wisdom-related attributes in sustainable management education. A single-case study was used to examine the learning experiences of students participating in a B Corp course. The study utilised reflective learning journals and qualitative surveys to assess students' wisdom-related experiences and how they manifest themselves during the course. The findings demonstrate the manifestation of prerequisites of wisdom in cognitive, effective social, ethical-existential, and practical action dimensions. Additionally, the results show strong connections between the main dimensions and sub-dimensions of wisdom, indicating that practice-integrated learning and stakeholder engagement can offer a holistic learning experience that potentially can support the cultivation of wisdom. These insights contribute to the ongoing discussion on transformative learning in business schools, highlighting how wisdom can serve as a framework for deepening the understanding of transformative educational practices.