Public Service and Social Responsibility: A Role for Public Affairs in Undergraduate Business Education

The public management, nonprofit, and business sectors are becoming more integrated. Governments are increasingly dependent upon businesses and nonprofit organizations to provide public services, regulation is increasing, and nonprofit organizations provide an alternative for public service delivery as well as maintain a watchful eye over businesses and governments. A solid understanding of public problems and the intersections between the sectors is critical for managers of today. Public affairs programs can play an important role in this process by expanding their focus to offer courses to undergraduate business students that bridge the gap between public affairs issues and the business sector. By developing mutually beneficial partnerships with business schools, public affairs programs will gain substantial benefit, both academically and professionally. We can pursue our mission to encourage public service in a broader arena, recruit talented undergraduates to public affairs programs and positions, expand teaching and research opportunities, and enhance our reputation as a field.