Why study ethics?
“Studying ethics allows students to understand themselves and how they make decisions in a deeper, more informed and grounded way,” said Westerman, James E. Holshouser Distinguished Professor in Ethics in the Walker College of Business since 2014.
Studying ethics helps students discover their core beliefs, which will guide them when they face difficult choices, Westerman said. “Perhaps even more importantly though, it allows for an enhanced understanding and respect of others’ beliefs.”
“There is no joy greater than teaching,” Westerman said. “It’s an opportunity to help students understand what it means to ‘do the right thing’ in their everyday lives and in business – to examine, explore and discover new ways that they can contribute to building more healthy and sustainable communities, with prosperous economics and a healthy ecology.”
Westerman has authored numerous articles and papers as well as the book “Person-Organization Fit: Effects on Employee Attitudes and Behavior.” He studies ethics as well as sustainability, organizational behavior and human resource management.
Appalachian’s James E. Holshouser Distinguished Professor in Ethics endowment, was established in 1996 and named in honor of former N.C. Gov. James E. Holshouser Jr., a Watauga County native. Westerman is also the recipient of a UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2012 and the Walker College of Business’ 2012 Sywassink Award for Excellence in Teaching.
