Teaching Decent Work and Economic Growth through Business Education for Sustainable Futures

Abstract

The pursuit of sustainable development has placed increasing emphasis on integrating the principles of Decent Work and Economic Growth, encapsulated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), into higher education systems. Business education, with its inherent focus on enterprise, labor markets, and economic structures, provides a crucial platform to advance these values. This research paper examines how teaching SDG 8 within business schools contributes to fostering sustainable futures by equipping students with knowledge, skills, and ethical orientations necessary for shaping equitable economies. Through theoretical exploration, curriculum-based practices, and a controlled experimental study conducted across multiple business education settings, the paper evaluates the effectiveness of pedagogical interventions on student awareness, career choices, and entrepreneurial outlooks. Findings reveal that incorporating SDG 8 into coursework significantly enhances students’ sensitivity toward labor rights, inclusive growth, and sustainability-driven innovation, thus highlighting the transformative role of education in advancing global sustainability.