International Conference: Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World

Jamshedpur। The upcoming “Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World” International Conference, scheduled for 2-3 February 2024 in Jamshedpur, is a significant event organized by the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics and XLRI, Xavier School of Management. Notable personalities such as Mr. T V Narendran, Chairman of Tata Steel; the Governor of Jharkhand; Rev Fr Arturo Sosa, SJ, Superior General of the Society of Jesus; and Rev Fr Stanislatus D’Souza, President, Jesuit Conference of South Asia, have expressed interest and admiration for this event. This conference provides a unique platform for leading academicians and practitioners to exchange scholarly articles and practical case studies in the field of business ethics and social responsibility. It aims to explore the intricacies of ethical decision-making in today’s interconnected global business environment.

Key Highlights of this conference are Institutional Partnerships: Collaborations with Heider College of Business, Creighton University, USA; Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA; Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University, USA; and Theologische Fakultät, University of Innsbruck, Austria, enrich the conference’s scope and depth. The conference will feature speeches and discussions by eminent personalities, including Fr. S George S.J., and Prof Jeff Thies. The agenda includes a wide range of topics like integrating ethical practices in modern business, sustainability, and global responsibility. Special addresses by Chief Guest, Mr. Amit Raj Sinha, Managing Director & CEO at Sigachi Industries Ltd., and Ms. Soni Sinha, Chief Ethics Officer, Tata Steel, Guest of Honour, alongside other notable speakers such as Father George Sebastian, Director, XLRI, Father Jerry Countinha, Provincial, Jamshedpur Jesuits; Prof Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI; and Rev Donal D’Silva, Dean (Admin & Finance), XLRI. The conference will showcase around 150 participants from over 78 esteemed institutions presenting 98 papers (including case studies), complemented by 7 keynote addresses. This represents a significant gathering of intellectual and practical insights in the field. A souvenir, “Excellence and Integrity: For the Greater Good,” also will be released. It draws from the logo and motto of XLRI and bases itself on the 31 Ethics Orations held at XLRI, starting with the 1991 oration by JRD Tata himself.

On the first day of the conference (Feb 2), the inaugural ceremony sets the stage with notable speeches and a keynote address, emphasizing the theme of social and business responsibility. This is followed by parallel sessions covering a wide array of topics, including the ethical implications of emerging technologies and foundational aspects of business ethics. The day also includes panel discussions featuring industry experts who provide insights into practical applications of ethics in business. The evening culminates with additional keynote addresses and a special dinner, facilitating networking and further discussions among participants. On the second day of the conference, attendees will start with a visit to Dimna Lake, offering a serene environment for guided meditation. This tranquil beginning sets a reflective tone for the day. Following this, the conference resumes with multiple keynote addresses, each covering a diverse range of topics that delve deeper into ethical issues and business responsibility. The day’s schedule includes parallel sessions, allowing participants to engage in more focused discussions and explorations of specific subjects. The conference concludes with a final keynote address, a session dedicated to gathering evaluation feedback from participants, and closing remarks that summarize key takeaways and future directions for ethical practices in business and society. This conference aims to serve as a catalyst for initiating impactful conversations and partnerships, shaping a more ethical and responsible business world. It invites professionals, academics, and students to partake in this transformative journey at XLRI Xavier School of Management.