HBS Culture: A View from the Right

Does a similar phenomenon play out at HBS? In our own community at HBS, the decision on whether to fully engage is one that conservatives face every day. I know this to be true because it has been my experience over the last year and a half. I came to HBS with an open mind for the opportunity and genuinely wanted to enhance my ability to see things from the perspective of a diverse group of people whose backgrounds were much different than mine. I spent my first semester somewhat guarded in expressing my opinions and beliefs or challenging those with whom I disagreed. The social risks seemed very high. After Christmas break, I decided I could not do it anymore. I would be more outspoken and portray a contrarian argument. I simply could no longer allow myself to be suppressed. Once I started to openly express my views, I noticed a series of “strange” occurrences happening at school. Several of my classmates would either text me or discretely approach me in the hallway to tell me that they agreed with my opinions. Honestly, I had no idea that they shared the same opinions on many issues. You see, those with differing beliefs were afraid to speak out in class, out of fear of social retribution, even though their beliefs would have represented a voice frequently unheard by HBS students. Even worse, many of these same people continue to remain silent about their beliefs to this day. Perhaps if dialogue around these beliefs would have been previously welcomed at HBS, the community would have been much less surprised by Trump’s victory This begs us to ask the question, is this the open and inclusive community for which we strive at Harvard? What can we all learn from this that can help us in our HBS studies and in our careers after graduation? In many ways, this controversial time can serve as a great opportunity for self-reflection and improvement. First, on an individual level, we should strive to hear the viewpoints of others, withhold judgment, and consider the views based on their merits. It sounds easy, but it’s extremely hard. I know because I’ve spent the past year building this skill within myself. It doesn’t require us to change our own views, but teaches us to withhold labels and resist inserting them into debates in lieu of logic and proven facts. Making these adjustments can help us become better-informed members of a community in which we strive toward better ideas and solutions to the challenges of our societies. Additionally, as future business leaders, we should pause to appreciate the value in creating culture. The current cultural climate made many voters reluctant to speak up about what they truly believed. In our future businesses, can we afford the cost of not receiving legitimate and accurate feedback from those in our organizations? What are those costs and who are the stakeholders who must bear them? Our challenge is to create an environment where ALL views are justly considered, not just the loudest or most persistent. Finally, to fellow conservatives in the HBS student body, your classmates need you to share your experiences and opinions. The first time you stand up for your beliefs in class is the hardest, but at least you can sleep at night knowing you’ve been true to yourself. You might even be the one that spurs the discussion forward and helps our institution in its mission to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. By speaking up, you do yourself and your fellow classmates a service. To hear open, honest debate is a rarity today; let’s make sure we start by fostering it here. Aaron Kinsey (HBS ’17) is an EC student from Section D who prides himself on his Texas roots. Prior to HBS, he spent 9 years as a U.S. Air Force pilot and worked for Deloitte and the San Antonio Area Foundation. He spent the past summer at MetLife Real Estate Investors. Aaron is a Senator, Co-President of the Republican Club, Co-President of the Free Enterprise Club, and CFO of the Armed Forces Alumni Association.