Arecent survey* of more than 2,000 MBA students suggests that the overwhelming majority of today's MBA students believe that businesses should work toward the betterment of society, that managers should take into account social and environmental impacts when making business decisions, and that corporate social responsibility should be integrated into core curricula in MBA programs.

Proving that business school graduates are not simply focused on finding highly paid jobs to repay hefty student loans and to accumulate personal fortunes, a startling 81% of those polled agreed with a statement that businesses should work toward the betterment of society, although only 18% believed most corporations are currently working toward that goal.

Most importantly, for companies seeking to recruit from this new generation of top talent, 79% indicated they would seek employment that is socially responsible in the course of their careers, and 59% said they would do so immediately following business school.

Thinking – and acting! – as a socially responsible business must be seen as a critical component of any company’s employer brand.  Those who don’t heed the demands for corporate social leadership and accountability by today’s burgeoning leaders may be missing out on the chance to attract and to retain the best in class. 

Leadership is a key theme in this, our last issue of 2006.  In his final address to the United Nations, one of Africa’s most high-profile leaders of the last decade, Kofi Annan, speaks of the challenges he has faced during his tenure as Secretary-General.  Brand Pretorius, a giant of corporate leadership in Africa, sets out his views on the criteria and responsibilities of effective leaders.  Proving that women can lead with the best of them, we bring you an exclusive interview with Mrs. Florence Mugasha, Deputy-Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

Creating wealth is what companies seek to do but not too many can claim to be creating millionaires in Africa!  We speak to the Premier Group who sees their goal as empowering and generating wealth for their people.  Our own Vince Owen shares some pointers on reducing risks when recruiting and, for those in the Diaspora going home to Africa for Christmas, Effie Cooke’s story of her return to Ghana should inspire you to look for opportunities of your own.

Finish off the year with a look at why sharks will keep you fresh and the last word goes to Nigerian inventor and entrepreneur, Simi Belo, who shares her philosophy of why there is no such thing as failure.

Our warmest thanks go to all our contributors for their support and to all of you for taking the time to read ReConnect Africa - and to forward it to your friends.

With our best wishes to you all for a blessed and peaceful festive season and a happy and prosperous New Year!

Thanks!

* Net Impact Survey conducted online from September 25 to October 15, 2006 at 110 MBA programs in the US and Canada.