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Meet The Business School Dean Leading The Charge Towards Responsible Management

Tawhid Chtioui is one of only a few western business school deans from Africa. At EMLYON in France, he plans to change students’ mindsets and disrupt the industry

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Tue Sep 10 2019

BusinessBecause
Tawhid Chtioui was named dean of France’s EMLYON Business School in April 2019.

As the former dean of EMLYON’s Morocco campus, and one of the only African deans of a western business school, Tawhid has a strong grasp of how business differs the world over. 

But there is one running value throughout business which remains the same globally, he says. It’s something that Tawhid views as at the center of business education: 

Responsible management.


Making MBAs responsible

In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, businesses have been under increasing pressure to display responsible practice. 

Ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have crept into business school curricula, with the majority of MBAs now having core or elective modules on ethics. 

For Tawhid though, this isn’t enough.

“Business professionals don’t just make ethical decisions; they make financial decisions, strategic decisions, and marketing decisions. Ethics is only one part of the decision,” he says.

Tawhid wants to stop standalone courses on business ethics and CSR and move towards integrating it at all levels of the school; across programs and modules. Business schools, he says, should impart values rather than just providing knowledge. 

“In 10 years after our students leave, the only thing that remains are values,” Tawhid insists. “In the future, when they make a decision, I want them to think about the impact on the environment; on salaries, on employees, and on customers.”


Experiences to remember

Changing peoples’ values though isn’t easy; it can’t simply be done through lectures, classroom discussions, and textbooks.

At EMLYON, Tawhid says the school places a heavy emphasis on experiential learning, with students applying theory in real-life situations and working on cases to see how having responsible values can be impactful.

Each student, he says, should take up at least one internship or placement at an NGO or a nonprofit, in order to see the real social impact of these professions and the importance of thinking responsibly about your decisions. 

Instead of a module on sustainable development, why not take part in a business simulation game, Tawhid suggests, where you can see what the real impact on a business is if you don’t consider the importance of sustainability.

It’s these practical experiences, he insists, that will stay with students for a long time. 


Changing the industry

Rankings are important for business schools, in terms of their reputation among candidates and employers alike.

However, in the shift towards responsible management, Tawhid says rankings systems have held business schools back.

As MBA rankings put a huge emphasis on graduate employment and salaries, business schools have traditionally focused more on putting their students into high-paying jobs than making an impact.

“We need to face up to the standards made by the rankings, which are focused on quantitative aspects, and move towards more impact measures,” Tawhid insists.

He points to two scenarios. Either 100 graduates get 100 jobs after their graduation—something which will be rewarded in rankings methodologies—or two graduates start their own business and create 100 jobs after graduation—something just as impactful, but which won’t pay off in terms of rankings position.

“We don’t take these things into account, but they’re still so important for schools and for society,” he says.

MBA rankings are changing. The Financial Times included CSR in its methodology for the first time this year and will be reviewing its methodology completely for 2020.

But the charge to responsible management has, and should come from, business schools, Tawhid says.

“We need to be responsible for the values that we give to these future leaders, demonstrating that they will have a wider role in society, not only in achieving the financial objectives of their companies.”

Student Reviews

emlyon business school

Student

Verified

4/12/2023

On Campus

Intense courses, helpful professors

I am an international student in my 3rd year and I love going to this school and do not regret chosing it for my BBA. The classes are helpful, professors are always there to help as well and we have a very understanding administration.

Student

Verified

18/03/2023

On Campus

Leadership in an amazing city

I decided to do my exchange in Emlyon because I wanted to get out of my comfort zone, and I found a space with very capable People.. participatory, empathetic and full of leadership. I will never forget Lyon, apart from giving me an unforgettable experience, he gave me great friends

Student

Verified

23/11/2021

On Campus

A lot of opportunities professionally and socially. A unique program in France.

You can choose your courses and do your internship, exchange whenever you want. It's flexible and adapted to the needs of each student. A great program and a great city! Professionally, it opens a lot of doors for you to find internships or jobs in France or abroad thanks to the network and career events.

Fabian

Verified

7/06/2020

MSc in Digital Marketing

Combining both worlds into one, this course gave me all the on-demand technical skills in data science while maintaining a business-oriented approach. Thanks to the strong academic profile of this university I was able to secure an internship and full-time job at Amazon.

Student

Verified

14/10/2018

Top Business School fostering innovative entrepreneurs

EMLyon is one of the best business schools. The campuses, associations and courses offered provide the students with the best options to build the future they have chosen. The various opportunities to study and work abroad also offer a deeper understanding of the world, not only economy-wise but social, which helps the student become as well a better individual and not only a pre-formated business school student.

Student

Verified

9/06/2020

Emlyon campus in Paris

It has a great international community and you have access to many international tools, courses and professors. I had many networking events and workshops for students. Campus and some details of the program could have been improved or need to be bigger in order to have a better student life.

Student

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Entrepreneurship

Overall good content and good activities. Lack of administration but still ok. Good flexibility and liberty offered to the students. Finally, the amount of internship is also a good way to improve qualifications.

Student

Verified

25/05/2020

Good Reputation and International Business School

The course was not well adapted but it was up to the mark. The professors are very well experienced and their experience comes in handy while working on assignments. The facilities on the campus are top class. Truly professional. I really like spending time in the learning hub and using all the available resources. Lyon is an amazing city. You will never get bored.

Edel

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

MSc International Hospitality Management

The best educational experience of my life so far! It’s been full of exposure and great connections. From Lyon to London, Paris, Los Angeles and Las Vegas! Truly an exceptional way to discover the world of hospitality.

Student

Verified

11/07/2024

On Campus

Real networking opportunities

- meeting new people, specially professionals during seminars or evening meeting at school. - going abroad to study luxury - being involved as an ambassador to promote the school and the program I was into (MSc LMM) - having such a great professional core

Daphné

Verified

14/07/2024

On Campus

white baccalaureate in the world of work

I really appreciated the MS SDAI as a whole. The teaching staff, the different subjects, the university exchange, TEM... I started my internship in a consulting firm having acquired a solid foundation. Downside for CentraleSupélec, which I found far too academic for a program such as this.

Student

Verified

11/09/2024

On Campus

Great

Pretty great ! Emlyon business school is a top educational institution known for its outstanding academic programs, nurturing environment, and state-of-the-art facilities. It fosters creativity, critical thinking, and leadership in students.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Emlyon makes us confident!

Since I got into emlyon business school in September 2024, I’ve had many occasions to discover various subjects, but also to gain confidence and strength in several fields. Our « ADN » classes involve active participation and teamwork which enlighten our everyday life here in Lyon. Teachers are welcoming and available, classes are dispensed in small rooms, all of this turning our studies into a real life experience. As a top business school in France and in Europe, rest assured that this programme will take you to places you never had the chance to go to.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Worldwide School

If you're looking for a school with an international perspective, emlyon is the place to be. Academic exchange and double-degree opportunities are widely varied around the globe, and the school has 4 international campuses.

Jeremy

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Warm welcome

emlyon is one of France's top business schools, offering a wide range of programs and masters degrees that allow students from all backgrounds to perfect their skills. Students are very friendly and student life is dynamic with 42 associations (art, culture, finance...). With the inauguration of its new campus, the school also offers students a highly advantageous working environment right in the heart of Lyon.

Student

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

Experience at emlyon

My experience in emlyon business school was nothing but fantastic. The professors are very knowledgeable and helpful and are the best in the field to guide you to build your future self. The campus life is also really great and you get to meet amazing people!

Jenny

Verified

6/02/2025

On Campus

A Global and Data-driven Learning Experience

As an international student from Taiwan, currently studying Digital Marketing & Data Science at Emlyon Business School's Paris campus, my experience has been both challenging and rewarding. 1. Academics & Curriculum The program is highly data-driven, integrating real-world marketing strategies with technical skills like Python, SQL, and machine learning. Professors bring industry expertise and often collaborate with companies, making classes interactive and practical. 2. Campus & Student Life The Paris campus is a great location for networking, surrounded by top companies and start-up ecosystems. There are plenty of career events, hackathons, and networking opportunities, which have helped me connect with professionals in my field. 3. International Student Experience Coming from Taiwan, Emlyon provides a diverse and global environment. The school supports international students well, but navigating administrative processes (like visas and housing) can sometimes be challenging. However, the student community is welcoming, and there are many activities and student initiatives to engage with. 4. Overall Impression I think Emlyon is a great choice for students looking for an innovative, hands-on learning experience in business and technology. While some courses could benefit from even more structure, the real-world projects, industry collaborations, and international environment make it a strong business school for aspiring digital professionals.

Ambrine

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Very Good Program and Life-Changing Opportunities

I was truly delighted with my program as it provided me with valuable knowledge and skills. The campus is outstanding, offering an inspiring and welcoming environment for students. Moreover, my program opened up new professional opportunities that I would never have been able to access without completing this Master's degree in Strategy in International Business Development (in partnership with CentraleSupélec). I highly recommend this school to anyone seeking a transformative academic experience!

Nelia

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

BBA1 EM Lyon business school

This is my first year at EM Lyon and one of the first factors that makes me love my school is its campus. The location, the layout of the premises, the exteriors... all the facilities are functional and largely allow students to flourish in their studies (very large library, individual and collaborative workspaces, fully equipped rooms that can be booked, catering and relaxation areas, roof... everything is there!) Also, what I particularly appreciate is the format of the courses which combines practice with theory. My program is intended to be very professionalizing, so we have courses and modules that put us in real situations, the professors and external speakers are for the most part people in professional activities in companies which allows us to benefit from concrete illustrations and notable anecdotes. The classes are not very numerous, offering us an opportunity for interaction and group work. In addition to the courses, the school has many very advantageous partnerships for internships and academic exchanges. In addition, the school offers many conferences and workshops at the Makerslab that allow us to educate ourselves and learn new things. Finally, my program is internationally oriented and that is one of the reasons why I chose it: internships and academic exchange abroad. Finally, student life is a real added value for us since the associative life occupies a preponderant place in our course due to the variety of associations, the premises that are reserved but especially the budget that is allocated.

Jeanne

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Makers Spirit

Emlyon business school is a incredible university, i've been able to learn a lot of informations, and making contacts and meet a lot of people. The courses are very interesting and i'm looking foward to earn more experiences (academic or professional).This school gave me huge opportunities and still do, I intend to take them and use them, this school change my life, and me as a character. I want to make it known to as many people as possible, and grow the makers spirit!

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Digital Marketing and Data Science

Courses are practical, and the program is intensive. We have so many tasks need to fulfill. I love the school provide many career and alumni resources. And also give us many opportunities to approach to different fields.

Student

Verified

7/02/2025

On Campus

Current Student

Likes: abundant resources the network of alumni is really healpful wonderful location (center Paris) a lot of interesting lectures and company visits the school opens until 2200, great for studying Dislike: not enough spaces to study some study rooms are toooooo cold some classrooms have limited access to charge and the air is stagnant