20123: From Apologies to Amends: Exploring the Dimensions of Moral Repair in Firms

In recent years, firms have increasingly acknowledged responsibility for past wrongs, ushering in what Gibney (2008) aptly termed the "age of apology." Against this backdrop, scholarship in social issues in management and business ethics has begun to explore the concept of moral repair. Moral repair, as defined by Walker (2006, p. 6), involves practices that enable victims of corporate wrongdoings to transition from a state of damage to one where moral relationships regain stability. Despite its promise, however, the academic discussion on moral repair remains fragmented, limiting its broader impact on management research and practice. This panel symposium seeks to address these gaps by fostering collaborative dialogue among leading scholars and the audience to advance the study of moral repair. The session will explore critical questions such as: Can moral repair evolve into a distinct field of inquiry within management studies? What might a “theory of moral repair” for firms look like? How can existing foundational theories and perspectives enrich the concept of moral repair? Moreover, how can moral repair connect with a broader management audience and contribute to established frameworks such as corporate social responsibility and business and human rights? By engaging panelists and participants in a dynamic exchange, this symposium aims to map out future research directions and practical applications for moral repair, ultimately positioning it as a crucial topic within the domain of business and society.