 | XIMB Fellow Programme in Management (Doctoral Level) |
| FPM Scholars [none] | Ethics and Governance Guide: Bibhu Prasan Patra About Ethics and Governance This area covers a wide range of topics. At present, importance is given to the following five themes in our research: Environmental Management: The direct harm industries are doing to the natural eco-system by depleting natural resources and polluting the atmosphere is causing irreparable damage to nature. Business organizations are bound to address environmental issues and adopt environment management systems into their program. The focus of the research will be on environmental protection with the right kind of ethical perspective (i.e., striking a reasonable balance between industrialization and environmental protection). Conflict of Values: The New Challenge of Globalization: In a cross-cultural business environment, one finds it difficult to operate because of certain culture-specific value systems. The moral free space that is created by the cultural diversity puts a new challenge before managers of multinational corporations. The value systems of both the host and home countries have to be properly handled and the ethical prospective has to be properly reviewed in order to maintain a moral standard, which is rationally acceptable across the cultures. Hence the focus of research will be to re-examine the culture-specific values and develop certain universal norms that will be helpful for conducting business smoothly in the international environment. The focus of research will be to look into the prevailing moral standards of different geographical regions where local laws, rights, and duties vary from one another. Application of Ethical Theories in Managerial Decision Making: The vital point of this research theme will be on the application of ethical theories in managerial decision-making. Morality of an action does not depend on consequence and particular wish of the agent. To act morally/ethically is to act for the sake of duty. The motive for acting from a duty is not just feelings. Sometimes a managers' loyalty to the organization and his commitment for saving the business override what he believes to be morally wrong. But actions recognized as morally wrong couldn't be done for the 'sake of duty.' Moral value should always be regarded as an end-in-itself and have an objective basis not a subjective bias. Managerial Ethics--The Indian Perspective: This theme concentrates on exploring the Indian perspective. In the axiological field Indian scholarship has made exhaustive investigation. It gives equal emphasis on values in their four aspects, which include economic (artha), psychological (kama), moral (dharma) and spiritual (moksa). Its uniqueness lies in integrating man with management. Individual as the lever of all managerial activities (whether production, operation, or marketing, etc.) is a self-conscious being that acts as an agent to realize all organizational goals. As key mover of all activities, the individual has to live and move with a consciousness of value where the welfare of the society and the welfare of the organization are blended. The Indian concept of 'self in all beings' (sarva bhutasthamatmanam) helps managerial activity towards realization of the social and organizational goals. Indian culture, from time immemorial, insists on the rehabilitation of a soul-force in facing challenges and activities in all fields of life. Corporate Governance: Corporate Governance transcends simple management practices, like company tradition, reaction to change, gaining competitive edge and planning for more profit (economic gain). Governance operates in a higher conceptual plane that mainly deals with transparency, clarity, role definition, and accountability to stakeholders. Good governance takes care of various stakeholders who contribute towards the achievement of business goals. It ensures trust within the organization, and takes care of shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, creditors, and society at large in a decent manner. Responsible stakeholders always insist on honesty, transparency, fairness, absence of coercion and violence. So the ethical task of governance is to focus on the process (means) rather than the result (end) and maintain a balance between legal rights and moral responsibilities. The main objective of doing research in this area is to study various aspect of governance. An empirical study of the functioning of corporate boards and board management relationship will reveal the effectiveness of governance and its contribution towards the long-term sustainability of the organization. The research findings will be helpful in formulating policies for good governance. Resources Web Sites Business Ethics Resources http://www.ethics.ubc.ca/resources/business/ Business Ethics Links http://library.nyenrode.nl/nbr/100/100-Business.html Expected Profile These research topics are interdisciplinary in nature. Candidates willing to pursue research in these topics will have to do both theoretical and empirical work. Postgraduation in management with an engineering background will be the most suitable for working on the Environmental Management theme. For the other four themes, the required qualification will be postgraduation in management, social sciences, or humanities with bright academic record. |
FPM Cell Xavier Institute of Management Xavier Square, Bhubaneswar 751013, INDIA email: dean@ximb.ac.in |