When was the first academic text on business ethics published?

The first academic text on business ethics was published in the 1980s. This period marked a significant shift in how businesses and educational institutions began to view and integrate ethics into the study and practice of business. The awareness of ethical considerations in business decisions gained more prominence during this decade, driven by various social changes, scandals, and a growing recognition of the important role ethics play in sustainable business operations.

The 1980s saw an increase in scholarly work surrounding not just the practices of ethical behavior in business, but also the teaching of ethics in business schools. This foundational work set the stage for more extensive research and discussion in subsequent decades, shaping the curriculum and the ethical frameworks used in business practices today.

Understanding this timeline is crucial for recognizing the development of business ethics as a field of study, emphasizing its increasing importance in shaping corporate governance and responsibility in today's economic landscape.