10162: Debating the Future of “Purpose” in Management Research

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

08:30 - 10:00 CEST (GMT+2)

Location: Bella Center: Hall D- D3-m8

Session Type: Symposium (panel)
Orientation: International,Research
Highlight: Showcase Symposium
Shareable link: https://cdmcd.co/LE98kL

Organizer(s)

SL

Stephan Leixnering

WU Vienna University of Economics and Business, Austria

Panelist(s)

AG

Anna Grandori

Bocconi University, Italy
RG

Ranjay Gulati

Harvard Business School, United States
JM

Johanna Mair

Hertie School of Governance, Germany
RM

Renate Elisabeth Meyer

WU Vienna & Copenhagen Business School, Austria
BS

Blanche Segrestin

Mines ParisTech, France

Corporate purpose has developed into a standalone topic in management literature, particularly in the fields of strategy and organization. However, hand in hand with the nascent popularity of purpose also came increasing ambiguity and a growing lack of analytical traction. In this light, our panel symposium asks: If purpose means many things to many people, how can it serve as a meaningful label or concept? To discuss this question, the symposium brings together a diverse set of leading management scholars who have worked on the theme of purpose. The idea is to reflect on and debate the possible alternative futures of purpose in management research and present different avenues the debates might take, ranging from refocusing to re-orientating or retiring the concept.