The benefits of studying the humanities to the business executive are considered. The humanities can help develop both the values and functional skills that are necessary for executive success. Competence in value analysis helps future executives to understand the full implications of the economic system, especially when it is followed by the study of microeconomics from a liberal arts perspective. The humanities, particularly philosophy and literature, can play a significant role in approaching value questions. Executive action requires a balance between creative and integrative abilities and execution and control responsibilities. Business curricula teach students to develop systems of control and execution through study of fields such as finance, production, marketing, and accounting. Certain business disciplines also develop skills in evaluating alternative strategies, structures, and technologies. Business subjects are comparatively weak in developing a facility for generating opportunities, exploring their full implications, and presenting choices to form a coherent strategy. Literary studies offer a broad spectrum of experience and skills that are significant for the creative and integrative dimensions of executive action. (SW)