Jared Diamond, in his book Collapse (Gallimard, 2006), tells us that the worst has happened in the past – the destruction of civilizations – when populations were unable to change their routines when faced with massive threats. In 2023 we are faced with such threats, with a collapse of biodiversity and accelerating climate disruption, in a context of growing social imbalances and the rise of nationalism. How to act?
Major research and investment plans have been launched to try to find technological solutions to climate change. But the transformation of the functioning of organizations, and particularly large companies, remains unthought of. Very little – too little – is invested in the subject. A regrettable impasse. The way in which companies operate is, in fact, not a given but a construct. It could be otherwise. It is important to think about it and business schools can become crucibles for such reflection.
Of course, the 13,500 management schools operating around the world will not suddenly change their practices. Many are satisfied with their current routine, with a fairly simple business model, providing adaptable and dedicated graduates to companies and particularly multinationals. But the seeds of change are there. Current generations of students are in demand for broadened horizons and intellectual resources to understand the challenges we collectively face.
Adopt a long-term perspective
Many refuse to be trained just to reproduce the problematic behaviors of their elders. Many teacher-researchers are also trying to change their focus, they are questioning the usual teaching methods, adopting more critical approaches and breaking new ground. business models.
The idea today is to go further. Do not center teaching on very recent history as we currently do, but adopt a long-term perspective. How to manage an organization? The question has been asked since the Neolithic revolution. It has been solved in many ways and much can be learned from the problems that have arisen and the solutions that have been found in different civilizations.
Nurturing students’ ethical reflection is also necessary. What is morally acceptable and what is not? Management is not only instrumental. It is about organizing the collaboration of human groups with a view to common objectives.
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