The role of business in society is changing rapidly, especially in emerging markets. An increasing number of companies, large and small, are adopting notions of shared value creation and taking a larger stakeholder view of the firm. There is agreement that businesses can address social challenges effectively and efficiently in partnership with governments. This view is reflected in the explicit incorporation of business as a change agent in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact initiative. Student attitudes also reflect this shift. More students aim to make a positive impact in the world and are seeking careers that share these values.
The above trends are relevant for schools in both developed and developing countries. Examples abound of business schools embracing this new and wider role actively, questioning traditional (probably more Western) views. They do that through consulting, applied research, experiential learning or by acting as catalysts of social change. In this changing context, the question arises of how business schools can assess their relevance and impact in society at large, including a wider range of stakeholders (students, local communities, NGOs, policy makers, corporations, governments, entrepreneurs, etc.) This central question of impact assessment forms the focal point of discussion in the GBSN 2019 Annual Conference in Lisbon, Portugal.
For more information and to submit a proposal visit https://gbsn.org/2019-conference-call-for-proposals/ .