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.

February 3, 2025: Paper proposal of about 1000 words, including objectives, methodology, possible findings, and relevant references (Response to the authors before March 6)

June 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.)

July 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

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

Google map

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