PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Jan 13: XLRI Jamshedpur in collaboration with JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics organised a three-day international conference on Respect in Business and Leadership from January 9-11.
The event emphasized the integration of respect into business and leadership practices, fostering ethical frameworks to shape a sustainable and inclusive global future.
The inaugural ceremony, held on January 9, was graced by dignitaries, including Soni Sinha, Chief Ethics Counsellor, Tata Steel, who remarked, “Respect is not a mere principle but a binding force that harmonizes organizational success with social good.”
Prof. Dr. Madan Pillutla, Dean of the Indian School of Business, serving as the Chief Guest, emphasized, “Leadership that respects humanity, and diversity will always transcend the confines of profit-driven motives to create lasting legacies.”
The session also included inspiring addresses by Prof. Sanjay Patro, Dean (Academics), XLRI, and Fr. Donald D’Silva SJ, Dean (Admin-Finance), who together outlined XLRI’s enduring commitment to building ethical business leaders.
As Prof. Patro remarked, “Respect is the invisible currency that fuels ethical leadership.”
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This sentiment was echoed by Fr. D’Silva, who stated, “The journey toward respect begins with the small but meaningful actions we take daily in our organizations and communities.”
In a significant highlight, Fr. Kuruvilla Pandikattu SJ, Chair Professor of the JRD Tata Foundation for Business Ethics, launched his latest book, ‘Ethical Leadership and Sustainable Practices’.
Reflecting on his work, he noted, “Sustainable leadership rests on the unshakeable foundation of respect, which inspires individuals and organizations to thrive with purpose.”
EthicoSphere Launch: A New Era for Ethical Leadership
On January 10, XLRI unveiled EthicoSphere, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to fostering ethical leadership in academia and industry.
The launch featured a keynote address by Himanshu Rai, Director of IIM Indore, who articulated, “The shift from compliance to value-driven governance is not just desirable but essential for sustainable progress.”
Fr. George Sebastian, Director of XLRI, emphasized, “EthicoSphere is an initiative where integrity meets innovation, creating a blueprint for ethical ecosystems across industries.”
Complementing the latest initiative, Soni Sinha remarked, “Platforms like EthicoSphere encourage us to confront systemic challenges and find ethical solutions that align with global priorities.”
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Keynote Addresses: Wisdom from Visionary Leaders
The conference featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers:
Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director, IIM Raipur, stated, “Ethical leadership is not about avoiding mistakes but about owning them and learning from them.”
Prof. Pawan Kumar Singh, Director, IIM Tiruchirappalli, noted, “Respect fosters collaboration, and collaboration breeds innovation.”
Prof. Sriram Narayanan, Michigan State University, remarked, “The future of business ethics lies in the harmonious integration of technology, transparency, and respect.”
Prof. Arup Varma, Loyola University, Chicago, highlighted, “Leadership rooted in respect creates organizations that stand resilient in the face of challenges.”
