From Campus Bonds to Corporate Ethics: How College Culture Shapes Future Workplaces

College is often seen as a stepping stone to professional success—a place where students not only gain knowledge but also build character, leadership skills, and lifelong relationships. But what happens when this environment fosters fear instead of growth? The way students experience power dynamics on campus—whether through ragging, bullying, or positive mentorship—shapes their approach to leadership and ethics in the corporate world.

Recently, Kerala witnessed a heartbreaking reminder of this when Mihir Ahammed, a 15-year-old student from Ernakulam, lost his life after enduring severe bullying and ragging by his seniors. Another poignant reminder of this connection between campus bullying and workplace pressure is the tragic case of a Chartered Accountant who took her own life just a few months ago, reportedly overwhelmed by workplace stress and toxic work culture. Such cases underscore the grave consequences of unchecked bullying, both in educational institutions and professional environments. 

This incident isn’t just an isolated tragedy; it highlights a larger issue—how toxic campus cultures can leave lasting imprints on individuals, sometimes influencing the way they navigate professional spaces later in life. When young minds are conditioned to accept dominance, humiliation, and fear as part of an initiation process, these same patterns can resurface in the workplace in the form of corporate hierarchy abuse, office bullying, and unethical leadership.

Ragging is frequently brushed off as harmless fun or a rite of passage to toughen up newcomers, but its consequences can be deeply harmful. Many who endure it struggle with anxiety, diminished self-confidence, and difficulty standing up for themselves—challenges that can persist well into their professional lives. In professional environments, the same power imbalances that exist in ragging often take new forms, such as: Workplace bullying, where senior employees exploit juniors through excessive workload, public humiliation, or exclusion, Toxic leadership, where managers create fear-based cultures rather than fostering collaboration or Unethical business practices often thrive in environments where employees feel pressured to stay silent, having been conditioned to "endure" unfair treatment. A student who has experienced ragging may carry this mindset into the workplace, finding it difficult to speak up against injustice.

On the flip side, someone who engaged in ragging might carry forward those behaviors, mistaking dominance for leadership. This creates a cycle where workplaces become extensions of toxic campus cultures rather than spaces of professional growth. The lessons students absorb in college extend far beyond classrooms. If institutions cultivate a culture of respect, inclusivity, and leadership based on guidance rather than fear, they can create professionals who prioritize collaboration over control. 

To achieve this, colleges need to move beyond simply banning ragging—they should actively educate students on ethical leadership, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. Providing students with leadership roles in programs and events, through students' union activities, and giving them a space to express their opinions and suggestions can uplift their leadership skills. Moreover, fostering a gender-neutral campus environment is crucial. This enables students to develop a mindset that values inclusivity and diversity, preparing them for careers where gender neutrality is essential.

A positive college environment does more than just prevent harm—it actively shapes how future leaders treat their teams. Instead of reinforcing hierarchical dominance, institutions should encourage: Mentorship over intimidation, Conflict resolution skills, Zero-tolerance policies on harassment. When young professionals enter the workforce with these principles, they become better leaders, fairer decision-makers, and ethical business professionals.

The corporate world can take inspiration from effective college anti-ragging policies in creating better work environments. Many companies still struggle with workplace bullying and harassment, but solutions exist—often in the same measures that have been successfully implemented in educational institutions. Companies that actively work towards creating inclusive, safe workplaces will naturally attract and retain talent, boosting morale and productivity. A positive environment is not just good ethics—it’s good business.

The transition from college to corporate life is more than just a career shift—it’s a test of the values we carry forward. Will we repeat the mistakes of the past, or will we build a culture where leadership is about guidance, not fear?

By fostering healthy campus environments, we’re not just protecting students—we’re shaping the future of the professional world. The change doesn’t start in boardrooms; it starts in classrooms, college hostels, and the very first interactions students have with leadership. When we get that right, we don’t just create better professionals—we create better workplaces, and ultimately, a better world.

"Leadership is not about being in charge, it's about taking care of those in your charge."                                                             ~ Simon Sinek

Mini. V. K, Head, Dept of Commerce and Management Studies, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna