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Executive Education
Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow HBS Experience Right arrow Admitted? Plan Your Stay Right arrow Community Values
... Right arrow Harvard Business School Right arrow Executive Education Right arrow HBS Experience Right arrow Admitted? Plan Your Stay Right arrow Community Values

Community Values

Community Values
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participants at an outdoor social gathering during the Global Alumni Leadership Summit at Harvard Business School
Community Values
Creating an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Learn More
participants at an outdoor social gathering during the Global Alumni Leadership Summit at Harvard Business School
Community Values
Creating an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Learn More

Community Values Statement

The mission of HBS is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Achieving this 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. Community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these values into every aspect of their experience at HBS. Personal commitment to these values creates an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

Community Values Statement Dropdown up

Community Values Statement Dropdown down

The mission of HBS is to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Achieving this 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. Community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these values into every aspect of their experience at HBS. Personal commitment to these values creates an environment in which all can achieve their full potential.

Values DefinedExpand AllCollapse All

Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of othersRespect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others
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If each of us makes an honest effort to ensure that we treat others with professional respect and dignity, all of us will enjoy the maximum possible benefit from working and learning together.

  • All members of the community are entitled to respect. All individuals are expected, in their interactions with others, to demonstrate respect for each person's worth, dignity, and capacity to contribute.
  • Discrimination can discourage a participant from active contribution both in the class and during other program activities. It is important to be attentive to interactions with others and be diligent in recognizing discriminatory behavior, and in speaking up when it is observed.
Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the communityHonesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community
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We aim to foster an environment where individuals can have open discussion, reflect on their thinking, and learn from one another. This can only happen when we create an environment in which we adhere to moral and ethical principles.

  • During the program you may engage in exercises where you are asked to share personal and professional information to deepen your learning experience. When confidential information is shared, we expect you will not share it with anyone not present in that discussion within or outside of the program.
  • In the HBS classroom, it is common practice that participants address each other and our faculty and staff by their first or given names; this is not intended to be disrespectful or discourteous.
Accountability for personal behaviorAccountability for personal behavior
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Because inappropriate conduct can arise from a lack of understanding of community norms, we offer general guidelines to participants to clarify the School's standards and your obligations to meet them.

  • The faculty, staff, and fellow participants you will work with are professionals, and your relationship with them should be professional at all times.
  • Staff and faculty often socialize with participants in the context of program activities. This kind of friendly social interaction should not be interpreted as an invitation, or signal of availability for, a more personal relationship.
  • All members of the Harvard Business School community are entitled to work in an environment that is free from threat, harassment, abuse, or discrimination. Disrespectful behavior, sexual harassment, or racial/ethnic slurs should be reported to the Program Director immediately, as this behavior will not be tolerated.
  • The HBS Learning Model (which includes the case method, case preparation, the Executive Education classroom environment, and group learning) depends upon each participant being an active contributor in all aspects of learning. To the extent that a participant is absent from class and/or scheduled group meetings, his/her learning suffers as does the learning of other colleagues. Therefore, unexcused absences, lack of preparation, or inconsistent participation could result in program dismissal.
  • If you are facing challenges with fully engaging in the program due to a disability or language barrier, please speak, confidentially, with your program director to determine if an accommodation would be appropriate.

Values Defined Dropdown up

Values Defined Dropdown down

Respect for the rights, differences, and dignity of others

If each of us makes an honest effort to ensure that we treat others with professional respect and dignity, all of us will enjoy the maximum possible benefit from working and learning together.

  • All members of the community are entitled to respect. All individuals are expected, in their interactions with others, to demonstrate respect for each person's worth, dignity, and capacity to contribute.
  • Discrimination can discourage a participant from active contribution both in the class and during other program activities. It is important to be attentive to interactions with others and be diligent in recognizing discriminatory behavior, and in speaking up when it is observed.

Honesty and integrity in dealing with all members of the community

We aim to foster an environment where individuals can have open discussion, reflect on their thinking, and learn from one another. This can only happen when we create an environment in which we adhere to moral and ethical principles.

  • During the program you may engage in exercises where you are asked to share personal and professional information to deepen your learning experience. When confidential information is shared, we expect you will not share it with anyone not present in that discussion within or outside of the program.
  • In the HBS classroom, it is common practice that participants address each other and our faculty and staff by their first or given names; this is not intended to be disrespectful or discourteous.

Accountability for personal behavior

Because inappropriate conduct can arise from a lack of understanding of community norms, we offer general guidelines to participants to clarify the School's standards and your obligations to meet them.

  • The faculty, staff, and fellow participants you will work with are professionals, and your relationship with them should be professional at all times.
  • Staff and faculty often socialize with participants in the context of program activities. This kind of friendly social interaction should not be interpreted as an invitation, or signal of availability for, a more personal relationship.
  • All members of the Harvard Business School community are entitled to work in an environment that is free from threat, harassment, abuse, or discrimination. Disrespectful behavior, sexual harassment, or racial/ethnic slurs should be reported to the Program Director immediately, as this behavior will not be tolerated.
  • The HBS Learning Model (which includes the case method, case preparation, the Executive Education classroom environment, and group learning) depends upon each participant being an active contributor in all aspects of learning. To the extent that a participant is absent from class and/or scheduled group meetings, his/her learning suffers as does the learning of other colleagues. Therefore, unexcused absences, lack of preparation, or inconsistent participation could result in program dismissal.
  • If you are facing challenges with fully engaging in the program due to a disability or language barrier, please speak, confidentially, with your program director to determine if an accommodation would be appropriate.

Sample ViolationsExpand AllCollapse All

Detracting from the learning processDetracting from the learning process
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  • Disruptive classroom and/or discussion group behaviors
  • Absence from class
  • Being late to class
  • Being unprepared for group discussions and/or class
  • Using mobile devices/technology in unpermitted or non-class-enhancing ways
  • Not participating in living-group study sessions and class exercises
Inappropriate behavior/social activityInappropriate behavior/social activity
Dropdown down
  • Disrespecting other members of the HBS community (e.g., staff, fellow participants, students)
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Destruction of HBS property
  • Smoking indoors
  • Loud/disruptive gatherings
  • Lack of adherence to HBS policies (listed on the program website)
Harassment/violenceHarassment/violence
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(Title IX, a federal civil rights law prohibiting sexual and gender discrimination, may apply. Visit the Harvard website for more information on Harvard's position on gender-based discrimination)

Examples of harassment may include:

  • Inappropriate behavior or comments (verbal or written) based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity
  • Sexual assault or other acts of sexual violence, sexual threats, unwanted touching
  • Lewd or sexually suggestive comments, innuendoes, or gestures
Misrepresentation/failure to discloseMisrepresentation/failure to disclose
Dropdown down
  • Misrepresenting your identity (e.g., when sending an email)
  • Misrepresenting your personal record (e.g., application, employment, academic, criminal) to HBS officials or others
Financial & other policiesFinancial & other policies
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  • Non-payment of Harvard bills
  • Unauthorized use of HBS or Harvard name or resources
Illegal ActivityIllegal Activity
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  • Any criminal action or conduct as defined by state or federal laws

Sample Violations Dropdown up

Sample Violations Dropdown down

Detracting from the learning process

  • Disruptive classroom and/or discussion group behaviors
  • Absence from class
  • Being late to class
  • Being unprepared for group discussions and/or class
  • Using mobile devices/technology in unpermitted or non-class-enhancing ways
  • Not participating in living-group study sessions and class exercises

Inappropriate behavior/social activity

  • Disrespecting other members of the HBS community (e.g., staff, fellow participants, students)
  • Excessive alcohol use
  • Destruction of HBS property
  • Smoking indoors
  • Loud/disruptive gatherings
  • Lack of adherence to HBS policies (listed on the program website)

Harassment/violence

(Title IX, a federal civil rights law prohibiting sexual and gender discrimination, may apply. Visit the Harvard website for more information on Harvard's position on gender-based discrimination)

Examples of harassment may include:

  • Inappropriate behavior or comments (verbal or written) based on gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, disability or ethnicity
  • Sexual assault or other acts of sexual violence, sexual threats, unwanted touching
  • Lewd or sexually suggestive comments, innuendoes, or gestures

Misrepresentation/failure to disclose

  • Misrepresenting your identity (e.g., when sending an email)
  • Misrepresenting your personal record (e.g., application, employment, academic, criminal) to HBS officials or others

Financial & other policies

  • Non-payment of Harvard bills
  • Unauthorized use of HBS or Harvard name or resources

Illegal Activity

  • Any criminal action or conduct as defined by state or federal laws

Community Values Process

Our Community Values embody our aspiration to be a model of leadership, honor, and integrity, as well as our commitment to truth and excellence. These values are intended to create an environment of trust, respect, free expression, and inquiry.

Read More
Dropdown down

When an Executive Education participant is alleged to have violated our Community Values, we have a process for evaluating violations and imposing sanctions if warranted. The guiding principles for those charged with administering the Executive Education community values process are:

  • The process and its outcomes should reflect our Community Values and hold participants to a standard that embodies the high aspirations we espouse.
  • The process should comply with the law and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
  • The process should be fair to the participant(s) being reviewed.
  • Each case that arises is unique and requires discretion in handling. In all cases, the individuals responsible for administering the process will use their best efforts and judgment in determining how to proceed.

Community Values Process Dropdown up

Community Values Process Dropdown down

Our Community Values embody our aspiration to be a model of leadership, honor, and integrity, as well as our commitment to truth and excellence. These values are intended to create an environment of trust, respect, free expression, and inquiry.

When an Executive Education participant is alleged to have violated our Community Values, we have a process for evaluating violations and imposing sanctions if warranted. The guiding principles for those charged with administering the Executive Education community values process are:

  • The process and its outcomes should reflect our Community Values and hold participants to a standard that embodies the high aspirations we espouse.
  • The process should comply with the law and ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
  • The process should be fair to the participant(s) being reviewed.
  • Each case that arises is unique and requires discretion in handling. In all cases, the individuals responsible for administering the process will use their best efforts and judgment in determining how to proceed.

Who to Contact

The School can become aware of a possible violation of Community Values and HBS policies from a variety of sources including faculty, staff, fellow participants, or other members of the Harvard community.

Read More
Dropdown down

If you have any questions regarding community values or wish to discuss a possible violation please contact members of the program team (you may stop by the program office or go to your program website for contact information):

  • Program Director
  • Program Manager
  • Faculty Chair

In Addition You May Contact:

Director, Executive Education HR and Community Values and Title IX Resource Coordinator
Liza Nascembeni (lnascembeni@hbs.edu, 617.496.0871)

Senior Managing Director, Executive Education
Deborah Hooper (dhooper@hbs.edu, 617.495.6641)

Executive Director, HBS Online and Executive Education
Patrick Mullane (pmullane@hbs.edu@hbs.edu, 617.495.6453)

Senior Associate Dean HBS Online; Senior Associate Dean Executive Education
Luis M. Viceira (lviceira@hbs.edu, 617.495.6331)

Director, HBS Human Resources and Title IX Resource Coordinator
Sally Robinson (srobinson@hbs.edu, 617.495.6066)

Who to Contact Dropdown up

Who to Contact Dropdown down

The School can become aware of a possible violation of Community Values and HBS policies from a variety of sources including faculty, staff, fellow participants, or other members of the Harvard community.

If you have any questions regarding community values or wish to discuss a possible violation please contact members of the program team (you may stop by the program office or go to your program website for contact information):

  • Program Director
  • Program Manager
  • Faculty Chair

In Addition You May Contact:

Director, Executive Education HR and Community Values and Title IX Resource Coordinator
Liza Nascembeni (lnascembeni@hbs.edu, 617.496.0871)

Senior Managing Director, Executive Education
Deborah Hooper (dhooper@hbs.edu, 617.495.6641)

Executive Director, HBS Online and Executive Education
Patrick Mullane (pmullane@hbs.edu@hbs.edu, 617.495.6453)

Senior Associate Dean HBS Online; Senior Associate Dean Executive Education
Luis M. Viceira (lviceira@hbs.edu, 617.495.6331)

Director, HBS Human Resources and Title IX Resource Coordinator
Sally Robinson (srobinson@hbs.edu, 617.495.6066)

participants at an outdoor social gathering during the Global Alumni Leadership Summit at Harvard Business School
Community Values
Creating an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Learn More
participants at an outdoor social gathering during the Global Alumni Leadership Summit at Harvard Business School
Community Values
Creating an environment of trust and mutual respect.
Learn More

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