The International Conference on Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World, hosted by the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics and XLRI, Xavier School of Management, unfolded at the XLRI campus in Jamshedpur, India. The event, held in collaboration with international partners, marked a significant milestone in the ongoing discourse on ethical leadership and corporate responsibility, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds.
The conference commenced with opening remarks that set a reflective and aspirational tone, emphasizing the crucial role of ethical leadership in shaping a more just and sustainable world. Messages from key figures including Fr. George, SJ (Director of XLRI), Fr. Jerry Coutinha, SJ (Jesuit Provincial), and Fr. Donald D’Silva, SJ (Dean Admin-Finance at XLRI), highlighted the foundational values of the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics and XLRI, emphasizing community, compassion, and commitment in leadership.
Distinguished guests, such as Soni Sinha, Chief Ethics Officer at Tata Steel, and Amit Raj Sinha, MD and CEO of Sigachi Industries Limited, Hyderabad, shared invaluable insights into the practical application of ethics in business. Soni Sinha exemplified Tata Steel's commitment to ethics and urged future leaders to practice ethics in both personal and professional spheres. Quoting JRD Tata, she emphasized that success should align with the needs and interests of the country and its people, achieved through fair and honest means.
Amit Raj Sinha focused on the integration of ethics into decision-making and the incorporation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into business operations. Emphasizing ethical dilemmas faced by individuals and industries, he provided tips on resolving them ethically. Referring to the golden circle's three pillars - What, How, and Why - he urged leaders to identify their purpose and act accordingly, stating, "Discovering the purpose and acting according to it is crucial in the lives of every business entrepreneur."
Fr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu, SJ, of the JRD Tata Foundation, outlined the event flow, emphasizing community centrality, compassion, and commitment. Prof. Jeff Thies, Director of the Institute of Business Ethics and Sustainability at Loyola Marymount University, delivered an insightful online address on the complexities of business ethics and the significance of values-based reasoning in leadership.
The conference featured paper presentations covering topics ranging from ethics in higher education to corporate governance and innovative practices in green technology and ethical AI applications. A panel discussion featuring executives from leading corporations bridged the gap between theoretical ethics and practical business applications. Keynote addresses further deepened the dialogue, offering diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities presented by business ethics in a globalized economy.
The Special Dinner and Cultural Programme at the end of Day 1 provided a relaxed setting for participants to network, fostering connections that span geographical and disciplinary boundaries. This cultural exchange emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the discourse on ethical leadership.
The International Conference on Enabling Social and Business Responsibility in Our Globalised World served as a catalyst for advancing the conversation on ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. By bringing together thought leaders and practitioners, the conference underscored the urgency of integrating ethical principles into global business practices, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and action in this vital area.
