Responsible Business

The Responsible Business Research Group brings together more than sixty scholars and research students who develop insightful, novel, and useful research deploying a variety of methods across business contexts. In addition to our own research, we hold regular Responsible Business Seminars with leading practitioners and researchers (details below). 

Responsible Business is at the heart of our research agenda.  In the most recent survey of UK Business Ethics research, we ranked seventh for quality publications; we are a United Nations’ PRiME (Principles of Responsible Management in Education) Champion, a member of the Responsible Research in Business & Management (RRBM) network, a Corporate Sponsor of the Institute of Business Ethics and we work with Business in the Community and the North East Initiative for Business Ethics. 

Our researchers work in four broad areas considering the individual at work, organisational sustainability and CSR, corporate governance, and the wider environment for business ethics.  These areas are introduced below:

Moral Agency at Work

Colleagues focussing on moral agency consider character, virtues and the sources and effects of meaningful work.  We are particularly concerned with how religious and other traditions frame employees’ understanding of workplace morality and with the ethical dimensions of equality, diversity and inclusion.

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Strategic Sustainability and Responsibility

Strategic Sustainability and Responsibility subgroup champions dynamic, evidence-based approaches to embed sustainability and ethical responsibility at the heart of business strategy and organisation, catalysing transformative practices that redefine industry standards and educate future leaders in responsible management.

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Governance and Accountability

This research theme focuses on understanding and innovating within governance structures and accountability in business practices. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach, addressing critical issues in corporate governance, social and environmental accounting, carbon disclosure, and sustainability reporting. Researchers in this theme have contributed to impactful journals and led successful case studies, exploring diverse aspects of governance and accountability. Supported by prestigious bodies like The British Academy, our research spans from feminist perspectives in accounting to inclusive digital finance, making significant contributions to journals and case studies. Emphasizing diverse research methods, the theme is a forefront of responsible business studies, actively engaging PhD students.

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Financial Markets, Innovation & Sustainable Economies

In this theme, our research delves into the intricate synergy between financial markets, technological innovation, and sustainable growth. Emphasizing interdisciplinary study, our team examines how financial markets drive innovation and sustain economic practices, contributing to transformative policies and industry practices. Backed by prestigious funding and global partnerships, our projects range from agroforestry social research to sustainable diet initiatives. This theme is not only a hub for academic inquiry but also a nurturing ground for PhD students and industry collaborations, dedicated to addressing the financial and economic challenges of our times.

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Responsible Business Seminars

Our public seminar series has run since 2015.  Senior business leaders and renowned researchers present practice and projects and answer questions from a diverse audience.