Community Values

The mission of Harvard Business School is to educate leaders who contribute to the well-being of society. Achieving this mission requires an environment of trust and mutual respect, free expression and inquiry, and a commitment to truth, excellence, and lifelong learning. Students, program participants, faculty, staff, and alumni accept these principles when they join the HBS community. In doing so, they agree to abide by the following Community Values:

• Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others

• Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community

• Accountability for personal behavior

HBS can and should be a living model of these values. To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these values into every aspect of their experience at HBS. Through our personal commitment to these values, we can create an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

General Policy on Conduct

As leaders, we are rightfully held to a higher set of standards that go beyond adherence to customary laws and behavioral norms. In addition to the requirement that students obey University-wide and HBS-specific policies and procedures as well as all local, state, and federal laws, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in all that they do. This expectation applies to activities that occur on campus as well as off campus and in all interactions with others, regardless of whether the other parties are members of the Harvard community or not.

In instances where the above standards are not upheld, or a violation of policy occurs, the Doctoral Programs Office will take appropriate, measured action.