Business as an Agent of World Benefit: Management Knowledge Leading Positive Change - A Global Forum

October 23-25, 2006
In-Person and Online

"Let us choose to unite the power of the market with the authority of the universal ideals."

A forum will be held October 23-25th at Case Western Reserve University uniting top business leaders and educators to focus on ways of doing business that are both profitable and succeed in addressing the world’s most pressing social needs.

The three-day forum, Business as an Agent of World Benefit: Management Knowledge Leading Positive Change, will unite the efforts of the UN Global Compact, the Academy of Management, and Case’s Weatherhead School of Management. Over 400 leading business executives and management scholars from around the world will explore ways in which business can be a leading force in eradicating poverty, enhancing the environment, and advancing peace—while still prospering financially. An additional 3,000 people worldwide are expected to participate through satellite and Internet links.

“The people who gather at Case for this forum will be leaders among those who believe that new business models are starting to emerge that combine citizenship and profitability without sacrificing – but rather enhancing -- returns to shareholders,” said Myron Roomkin, Albert J. Weatherhead, III Professor of Management and Dean of the Weatherhead School of Management.

Forum participants will share in presentations, discussions, and breakout sessions exploring the latest research on the business case for addressing social issues, sustainable development, and envisioning ways in which business can change society. Forum activities will be co-coordinated by Weatherhead and its Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit and facilitated through Appreciative Inquiry, a technique pioneered by The Center’s faculty advisor and founder, Professor David Cooperrider.

“On behalf of Sectretary-General Kofi Annan and the more than 2,400 participants of the UN Global Compact, we are very excited to partner with the Academy of Management and Case,” said Georg Kell, executive director of the UN Global Compact. “This worldwide forum may well prove a tipping point in the development of global corporate citizenship, helping to create a more sustainable and inclusive global economy.” “There is no question that the world needs peace to prosper, and prosperity to have peace; that the quality of ecological and social environments have become inextricably dependent on the visions and strategies of business leaders,” said Nancy J. Adler, management professor at McGill University, fellow with the Academy of Management and forum co-chair. “Management schools worldwide are helping students to succeed, not just financially, but also as influential citizens.

Registration for participation in the BAWB Global Forum is open! Reserve your seat for the On-Site Forum at Case Weatherhead School of Management or sign up for the Virtual Forum and participate online from your computer. Join us!