How business ethics is taught: Insights from an Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) scholars project

This year, Purdue Libraries is supporting an OUR Scholars project that highlights the intersection of research and teaching in higher education. Libraries Assistant Professor Zoeanna Mayhook is leading a team of undergraduate researchers, Anvi Datta and Lauren Coons, with guidance from Daniels School Clinical Associate Professor Cara Putman, and additional support from Ph.D. candidate Rachel Scaliatine, to study how business ethics is taught in classrooms using a systematized literature review approach. 

The project’s primary research question focuses on which instructional methods—such as case studies, simulations, and experiential learning—are used to teach business ethics in colleges and universities. A secondary question considers how artificial intelligence tools can be thoughtfully and ethically integrated into the evidence synthesis process. Together, these questions connect teaching practice with evolving research methods.

To answer these questions, the team is conducting a systematized literature review. This approach combines structured searching, clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and transparent documentation with the flexibility needed for an interdisciplinary topic like ethics education. The goal is to identify and synthesize existing research on how business ethics instruction is designed and delivered across higher education.

Datta and Coons are involved throughout the research process, including designing and refining search strategies, identifying seed articles to test search efficacy, conducting library database searches, screening articles, organizing data using tools such as Excel and Covidence, and helping prepare summary tables and short written syntheses. Regular team meetings emphasize collaboration, communication, and shared problem-solving as essential research skills. 

A distinctive feature of the project is its exploration of AI-supported research and knowledge synthesis tools, including Research Rabbit, Scite.ai, and Covidence. These tools enhance literature discovery and analysis while maintaining a strong emphasis on transparency, critical evaluation, and ethical use.

For the students, the project highlights how intentional curriculum design can influence the ethical reasoning of future business leaders. It also provides hands-on experience with collaborative research and emerging research technologies, showcasing the vital role that Libraries plays in supporting undergraduate research.