Research

Our research revolves around the following topics:

 
Governance

Governance is concerned with the shaping and transformation of business and society. This concern is driven by two approaches. On one hand, how actors from the different sectors are involved in power- and legitimation struggles within and across economic, social, legal and political fields. On the other hand, how economic, social, legal and political fields and subjects become objects of governance and change.
 
Based on cross-disciplinary studies (politics, law, economics, history, philosophy, sociology, political science), we investigate structures and processes of governance on different levels of organizations and in society, and how societal challenges can be met by means of new governing solutions in business and by collective actions. Our empirical scope includes corporations of diverse sizes; civil society and public organizations; NGOs, local as well as global, analogue as well as digital communities; nation-states and transnational constitutions.
 

Culture

Responding to major economic, environmental and social challenges calls for deep cultural transformations. Cultural markets and organizations are key components of the change process. Accordingly, we strive to understand culture in business and culture as a business, both globally and locally.
 
Identifying and developing research and education on cultural values, beliefs, and norms in the context of organizations is a lever for enabling organizations and whole sectors to remain competitive in times of rapid change. Our research aims to provide the knowledge and the know-how required to understand culture at the intersections of business, civil society and governance and, by extension, to develop capabilities to manage, lead and change cultural markets and organizations.

Learning

We explore the complex dynamics of learning processes in organizations and businesses, focusing on their structure and potential for progress towards sustainability and inclusivity. Our research approach brings together methodologies from human and social sciences, humanities, and liberal learning, with a steadfast commitment to analytical rigor and critical thinking.
Our research on learning, ranging from life-long learning and decision-making to ethical considerations and design thinking, apply a humanistic lens. We actively pursue innovative pedagogies such as blended- and play-based learning, reexamining the foundations of management education from the perspective of business humanities.
We continuously strive to interweave our unique perspective with other fields, utilizing our knowledge and expertise in collaborative initiatives both within and outside our unit. We firmly believe that business education, enriched by the depth and breadth of humanities and liberal arts, equips our students to become capable collaborators, empathetic leaders, innovative problem solvers, and active citizens in a living democracy.