BBOSS 2025 is an in-person research event at the University of Bath School of Management. We have an engaging programme of high profile international speakers from the field of business ethics, and a variety of presentations and panel discussions, aimed at expanding the edges of our field.
The theme of this year’s event invites us to explore the role of business in rights, freedom and democracy.
A key purpose of the symposium is to inspire participants on future directions for business and society research, and to provide a forum to present and discuss work with mentors. We are developing a proposal for a special issue which will reflect the theme of BBOSS 2025 and our aims to establish a research agenda to expand the boundaries of the field. The target journal is a leading peer-reviewed outlet, still TBC. We expect to be able to announce details to event participants.
Academics at all career stages are welcome, from PhD students to early- and later-stage academics. The symposium will provide a source of inspiration, expert feedback and networking opportunities.
You can choose to attend for the day only (£50), or to attend for both the day and the evening networking reception (£100).
Programme at a glance
| Time | Activity | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8.45 - 9.15am | Registration and coffee | 10E Reception and 10E Pavilion |
| 9.15 - 9.30am | Welcome from the Dean of the University of Bath School of Management, Professor Steve Brammer | 10E0.19 |
| 9.30 - 10.30am | Keynote: Business Ethics in a Multipolar World, Professor Tom Donaldson (Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania) | 10E0.19 |
| 10.30 - 11.00am | Coffee break | 10E Pavilion |
| 11.00am - 1pm | Parallel research presentations and feedback sessions | 10E level 2 break-out spaces |
| Theme 1: The natural environment and human rights | ||
| Theme 2: Accountability, reporting and universal rights | ||
| Theme 3: Politics and polarization | ||
| Theme 4: Corporate responsibilities and society | ||
| 1 - 2pm | Lunch with research mentors | 10E Pavilion |
| 2 - 3.15pm | Film screening: "Tobacco Slave" and Q&A on research impact and dissemination from film-maker Professor Roy Maconachie (University of Bath) | 10E0.19 |
| 3.15 - 3.45pm | Coffee break | 10E Pavilion |
| 3.45 - 4.45pm | Panel: "Business Ethics: The Textbook” reflections and what next, from the authors Professor Andrew Crane (University of Bath School of Management); Professor Dirk Matten (Schulich School of Business, York University); Professor Laura Spence (Kings College London); and Professor Sarah Glozer (University of Bath School of Management) | 10E0.19 |
| 4.45 - 5pm | Wrap-up | 10E0.19 |
| 7pm | BBOSS networking/TABEC welcome event | The Architect, The Empire, Orange Grove, Bath BA1 1LP |
About the theme
Universal rights, freedom and democracy are highly valorised foundations of a just and flourishing society. Yet evidence suggests global freedoms are declining, universal rights are under threat and improvements in democracy are uneven.
The role of business bears particular scrutiny, given the scale of firms’ influence on states, laws and institutional structures; the global reach of operations; the ongoing issues of human rights violations in supply chains; and the politics of lobbying and activism.
Scholars of business and society or business ethics may therefore be considering questions such as:
- In which ways have companies opposed or protected universal rights, freedom or democracy, and how should such practices be evaluated?
- Do companies have responsibilities for addressing universal rights, freedom or democracy, and on what basis should such responsibilities be determined?
- What impacts do companies have on rights, freedom and democracy, and how are these shaped by different institutional and organisational contexts?
- How do, or how should, companies conceptualise and communicate issues such as universal rights, freedom and democracy to their stakeholders?
- How do, or how should companies conceptualise and communicate issues such as universal rights, freedom and democracy to their stakeholders?
- What normative frameworks are best suited for addressing business responsibilities for universal rights, freedom or democracy?
