23rd International Symposium on Ethics, Business and Society
Barcelona · October 13-14, 2025
Ethical Management and Human Dignity: Integrating Justice, Care, and Service Across Disciplines
The 23rd IESE International Symposium on Ethics, Business, and Society, titled “Ethical Management and Human Dignity: Integrating Justice, Care, and Service Across Disciplines,” aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of a humanistic management approach grounded in the principles of justice, care, and service.
This symposium seeks to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue that places ethics at the core, engaging with psychology, sociology, economics, and various functional areas of management. The central theme revolves around the interconnectedness of justice, care, and service, positing that these principles lead to numerous positive outcomes, including enhanced well-being, social cohesion, and sustainable economic growth.
Justice, as a cornerstone of ethical behavior, ensures fairness and equality within organizations and society. Papers are invited to explore how just practices in decision-making, policy implementation, and resource distribution contribute to organizational stability. Submissions might also examine the psychological impacts of perceived justice on employee motivation and resilience.
Care, characterized by empathy and compassion, plays a central role in fostering supportive environments. Research is welcomed on the impact of a caring culture on individual well-being, mental health, and personal growth. Sociological perspectives might examine how caring relationships within organizations enhance social capital and promote a cohesive culture.
Service, understood as actions aimed at supporting and uplifting others, is fundamental to creating a sense of purpose and community. Papers might explore servant leadership and its impact on organizational effectiveness and innovation, as well as the role of corporate social responsibility initiatives in driving positive social change.
Human dignity emphasizes the intrinsic worth and inalienable rights of every individual. Studies might explore pathways enhancing individual fulfillment and resilience, the role of ethical management in building trust and social cohesion, and the long-term benefits of ethical practices on organizational performance and societal prosperity.
This symposium invites scholars from various functional areas in management to contribute theoretical and empirical research, case studies, and practical insights. The aim is to build a comprehensive framework that underscores the value of a humanistic approach in contemporary management practices, ultimately enhancing our understanding of how ethical management contributes to a society that upholds human dignity.
Monday, October 13 (08:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
08:45 – 09:30 a.m.: Registration
09:30 – 10:00 a.m.: Welcome Addresses and Introduction
- Franz Heukamp, Dean of IESE Business School
- Joan Fontrodona, Chair of the Symposium. Professor and Head of Business Ethics Department, IESE Business School
10:00 – 11:15 a.m.: Plenary Session I: JUSTICE, CARE, AND SENSE OF SERVICE
- Toward a Unified Ethical View of Justice, Care, and Sense of Service
Domènec Melé, Chair of Business Ethics, IESE Business School - Justice and Care in Managing Human Work
Ana Marta Gonzalez, Full Professor of Ethics, Leader of “Work, Care and Development” Research Project, University of Navarra
Chair: Mireia de Las Heras, Professor of Managing People in Organizations, IESE
11:15 – 11:45 a.m.: Coffee Break
11:45 – 1:00 p.m.: Plenary Session II: HUMAN DIGNITY AND SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN BUSINESS
- Creating Dignity-based Organizational Cultures
Donna Hicks, Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University. Author of Leading with Dignity: How to Create a Culture That Brings Out the Best in People - Human Dignity, Diversity and Inclusion: A Relational Approach
Carlos Rodríguez-Luesma, Full Professor of Managing People in Organization, Academic Director of the Dignity, Diversity and Belonging Office, IESE Business School, University of Navarra
Chair: Yih-Teen Lee, Professor of Managing People in Organizations, IESE Business School
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.: Lunch
2:00 – 3:45 p.m.: Concurrent Sessions I
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.: Break
4:00 – 5:45 p.m.: Concurrent sessions II
8:30 – 10:30 p.m.: Conference Dinner
Tuesday, October 14 (9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
9:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Plenary Session III. Pannel of CEOs
PURPOSEFUL LEADERSHIP WITH WISDOM AND SENSE OF SERVICE
- Manuel del Castillo, General Manager of the Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain (TBC)*
- Ricard Casas, General Manager of people and Culture at ISS Facility Services Iberia
Chair: Joan Fontrodona, Chair of the Symposium. Professor and Head of Business Ethics Department, IESE Business School
*To be confirmed
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.: Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Concurrent Sessions III
12:15 – 12:30 p.m.: Break
12:30 – 1:45 p.m.: Plenary Session IV: HUMAN DIGNITY IN LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURES
- Human Dignity Across Disciplines
Michael Pirson, chair of the Leading People and Organizations Area, Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University and Founder and President of the International Humanistic Management Association. - Promoting Dignity and Sense of Service in Business Education
John Almandoz, Professor of Managing People in Organizations and holder of the Pérez López Chair. IESE Business School University of Navarra.
Chair: Alejandro Moreno-Salamanca, Seniour Lecturer in Managing People in Organizations, IESE Business School
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.: Farewell Cocktail
Ricard Casas
CEO of ISS Facility Services
He is CEO of ISS Facility Services, a company dedicated to providing general services such as cleaning, gardening, maintenance, environmental hygiene, pest control, and catering, which are highly labor-intensive. ISS is an international general services company founded in 1901 in Denmark. It has a global workforce of 438,000 employees in 50 countries. In Spain the company has 59 offices nationwide and employs 30,000 people.
Michael Pirson
Chair of the Leading People and Organizations Area within the Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University
Michael Pirson, Ph.D., is the chair of the Leading People and Organizations Area within the Gabelli School of Business, Fordham University. He is the James A. F. Stoner Endowed Chair in Global Sustainability and is a full professor with a focus on global sustainability and social entrepreneurship.
He holds a doctorate in Organizational Behavior (2007) from the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland, a Master of Business Administration (1999) from University Erlangen-Nuernberg. He got a postdoctoral fellowship in Organizational Behavior (2009) at Harvard University.
Pirson is a research associate at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program (HFP). He co-founded the Humanistic Management Network and is founder and president of the International Humanistic Management Association. He is the editor in chief of the Humanistic Management Journal.
Esther Ribes
Events Manager, IESE Research Events Unit
We are pleased to announce a call for papers for our upcoming 23rd IESE International Symposium on Ethics, Business, and Society, titled “Ethical Management and Human Dignity: Integrating Justice, Care, and Service Across Disciplines.” This symposium aims to explore the multifaceted impacts of a humanistic management approach grounded in the principles of justice, care, and service. Our goal is to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue that places ethics at the core, engaging with psychology, sociology, economics, and other disciplines, and various functional areas of management to examine how these principles can promote human dignity at individual, organizational, and societal levels.
The central theme of this symposium revolves around the interconnectedness of justice, care, and service as foundational elements of ethical management. We posit that these principles not only fulfill moral and ethical imperatives but also lead to numerous positive outcomes, including enhanced well-being, social cohesion, and sustainable economic growth. By examining these concepts through various disciplinary lenses, we aim to build a comprehensive framework that underscores the value of a humanistic approach in contemporary management practices.
Justice, as a cornerstone of ethical behavior, ensures fairness and equality within organizations and society. Papers in this symposium might explore how just practices in decision-making, policy implementation, and resource distribution contribute to the overall health and stability of organizations. Additionally, submissions might examine the psychological impacts of perceived justice on employee motivation, engagement, and resilience. Contributions could also delve into how equitable business practices promote sustainable development and economic stability.
Care, characterized by empathy, compassion, and mercy, plays a central role in fostering supportive and nurturing environments and concern for people around. We welcome research that investigates the impact of a caring culture on individual well-being, mental health, and personal growth. Sociological perspectives might examine how caring relationships within organizations enhance social capital, strengthen group dynamics, and promote a cohesive organizational culture. Contributions could also explore the role of caring in community engagement and its broader societal implications.
Service, understood as actions aimed at supporting and uplifting others, is fundamental to creating a sense of purpose and community. Papers might explore the concept of servant leadership and its impact on organizational effectiveness, employee empowerment, and innovation. Research could also examine the role of corporate social responsibility initiatives in driving positive social change and fostering sustainable business practices. We encourage submissions that investigate how service-oriented behaviors contribute to the flourishing of both organizations and the communities they serve.
Human dignity, as an overarching theme, emphasizes the intrinsic worth and inalienable rights of every individual. We invite scholars to present research on how the integration of justice, care, and service fosters human dignity. Psychological studies might explore the pathways through which these principles enhance individual fulfillment and resilience. Sociological research could focus on the role of ethical management in building trust, social cohesion, and collective well-being. Economic perspectives might investigate the long-term benefits of ethical practices on organizational performance and societal prosperity.
This symposium is of particular interest to scholars from various functional areas in management, including Human Resources, Organizational Behavior, Strategic Management, Marketing, Operations Management, Finance, Entrepreneurship, International Business, and Technology and Innovation Management. We emphasize the integration of ethics into all these perspectives to promote a comprehensive understanding of how justice, care, and service can be effectively incorporated into diverse aspects of management.
In addition to theoretical and empirical research, we also welcome case studies and practical insights that demonstrate the application of these principles in real-world settings. Papers that highlight innovative practices, successful interventions, and lessons learned from implementing justice, care, and service in various organizational contexts are highly encouraged.
This symposium aims to foster an inclusive and interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges the gap between theory and practice. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we are confident we can enhance our understanding of how ethical management practices contribute to a society that upholds human dignity. We encourage submissions from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who are committed to exploring the transformative potential of justice, care, and service in contemporary management.
Submissions should be original, unpublished works that align with the symposium’s theme. We look forward to your contributions and to a stimulating exchange of ideas that will advance the field of ethical management and the promotion of human dignity.
This symposium aims to foster an inclusive and interdisciplinary dialogue that bridges the gap between theory and practice. By bringing together diverse perspectives, we are confident we can enhance our understanding of how ethical management practices contribute to a society that upholds human dignity. We encourage submissions from scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who are committed to exploring the transformative potential of justice, care, and service in contemporary management.
These suggested topics cover a comprehensive range of topics that align with the principles of justice, caring, and service, while emphasizing the integration of ethics into various functional areas and disciplines. Additionally, we welcome other topics related to the symposium’s main theme.
- Philosophical and Theological Foundations of Human Dignity, Care, and Service. Exploring the philosophical and theological underpinnings that support the integration of these principles in business practices.
- Ethical Decision-Making and Human Dignity: Exploring how justice, care, and service inform ethical decisions in management.
- Fairness and Equity in Organizational Policies: Examining the role of justice in developing and implementing fair organizational policies.
- Empathy and Compassion in the Workplace: Investigating the impact of a caring culture on employee well-being and organizational health.
- Servant Leadership and Empowerment: Understanding the influence of service-oriented leadership on organizational effectiveness and employee empowerment.
- Corporate Social Responsibility and Social Impact: Analyzing the role of CSR initiatives in promoting human dignity and societal well-being.
- Justice in Human Resources Management: Studying equitable HR practices and their effects on employee motivation and retention.
- Care and Mental Health in Organizations: Exploring the connection between a caring work environment and employee mental health.
- Service and Innovation: Investigating how service-oriented behaviors foster innovation and creativity in organizations.
- Human Dignity and Organizational Culture: Examining the influence of justice, care, and service on shaping ethical organizational cultures.
- Economic Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Understanding the long-term economic benefits of integrating ethical practices into management.
- Psychological Well-Being and Ethical Management: Exploring the pathways through which ethical management practices enhance individual psychological well-being.
- Social Cohesion and Organizational Trust: Studying the role of ethical management in building trust and social cohesion within organizations.
- Ethics in Strategic Management: Analyzing how ethical principles guide corporate strategies and decision-making processes.
- Marketing Ethics and Consumer Trust. Investigating the role of ethical marketing in building customer trust and brand loyalty.
- Operations Management and Ethical Supply Chains. Exploring the ethical implications of supply chain practices and their impact on human dignity.
- Ethical Financial Practices and Investment. Examining how ethical financial decision-making and sustainable investment strategies promote human dignity.
- Entrepreneurship and Social Responsibility. Understanding the role of ethics in shaping socially responsible entrepreneurial ventures.
- International Business and Cross-Cultural Ethics. Studying the challenges and opportunities of promoting ethical practices in global operations.
- Technology, Innovation, and Ethical Implications. Investigating the ethical considerations of technological advancements and their impact on human dignity.
- AI and Human Dignity: Balancing Innovation and Ethical Considerations. Exploring the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI technologies in business operations, focusing on maintaining human dignity and ethical standards.
- Case Studies in Ethical Management. Showcasing practical insights and lessons learned from applying justice, care, and service principles in diverse organizational contexts to promote human dignity.
- Human Dignity and Inclusive Leadership. Exploring how inclusive leadership practices promote human dignity and organizational diversity.
- Work-Life Balance and Employee Well-Being. Examining the role of caring policies in promoting work-life balance and overall employee well-being.
- Ethical Governance and Corporate Integrity. Analyzing the impact of ethical governance on maintaining corporate integrity and stakeholder trust.
- Community Engagement and Corporate Citizenship. Investigating the role of businesses in supporting community development and social welfare.
- Ethical Management and Community Dynamics. Exploring how justice, care, and service in ethical management shape social structures and influence community dynamics to promote human dignity.
June 15, 2025: Paper proposal of about 1000 words, including objectives, methodology, possible findings, and relevant references (Response to the authors by June 30)
September 23, 2025: Full papers. The suggested paper length is about 7000 words, with an abstract of about 250 words. (Authors interested in submitting their paper for further publication should make their interest explicit on the cover page.)
October 30, 2025: Response to authors of accepted papers for a review process for publication in a special issue in the Humanistic Management Journal.
- The official language of the Symposium is English.
- Send proposals using the paper submission platform.
- For full papers, we suggest using the style guidelines of the Humanistic Management Journal.
Further Inquiries
Logistical questions about this conference can be addressed to Esther Ribes (eribes@iese.edu), and academic questions to Professor Joan Fontrodona (jfontrodona@iese.edu).
Conference email: 23symposium@iese.edu
| Early bird fee | Regular fee | |
| March. 3 – Jun. 23 | Jun. 23 – Oct. 10 | |
| Standard | €470 | €520 |
| IESE Alumni member / Presenter | €370 | €420 |
| Doctoral students | €200 | €320 |
Location
The 23rd International Symposium on Ethics, Business and Society will take place on the Barcelona North Campus of IESE Business School.
C/ Arnús i Gari 3-7
08034 Barcelona
+34 93 253 42 00
Accomodation
IESE is a dynamic community of scholars and practitioners who will welcome you to Barcelona, a traditional and welcoming Mediterranean city. It is a city with a great number of tourist attractions and a friendly atmosphere that will offer conference participants and their families plenty of opportunities to enjoy their stay here, over and above the academic program we are preparing for you. Accommodations options near IESE:
·Sansi Pedralbes → 5-minute walk from IESE
Av. Pearson 1-3, 08034 Barcelona
·Torre Girona Residence Halls → 10-minute walk from IESE
Passeig dels Til·lers, 19 , 08034 Barcelona
·AC Victoria Suites → 15-minute walk from IESE
C/ Beltrán i Ròzpide, 7-9 (before Av. Pedralbes, 16), 08034 Barcelona
·Abba Garden Hotel → 20-minute walk from IESE
C/ Santa Rosa, 33 , 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona
·Upper Diagonal → 15-minute walk from IESE
Passeig de Manuel Girona, 7, 08034 Barcelona
· Arenas Atiram → 11-minute car from IESE
C/ Capitán Arenas, 20, 08035 Barcelona