As sustainability becomes increasingly critical, senior managers, consultants, and academics are turning to research for solutions. In this autumn issue of the Doctoral Knowledge Community Journal, we demonstrate how Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA and PhD alumni and candidates are leveraging research to make an impact.
Addressing Sustainability Challenges
The challenge of sustainability underlines the need for Business Schools to develop practice-based research and effective dissemination. Business school research contributes to sustainability by examining various aspects of sustainable practices, policies, and strategies in business and managerial contexts.
With that in mind, in 2021, Grenoble Ecole de Management became the first French Grande Ecole to adopt the status of a «société à mission» - a legal framework that requires organizations to pursue social and environmental goals for sustainability.
At Grenoble Ecole de Management, we foster sustainability by both establishing strong connections with the business sector and by providing rigorous Doctoral Programs. The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) serves as a means to integrate rigorous research into business practices. Our DBA program places a strong emphasis on impact. For our graduates the program establishes them as industry experts, opening up career opportunities in consulting, academia, and influential decision-making roles within organizations.
Part of the impact comes from the candidates who already have industry-specific experiences and legitimacy. Our DBA program attracts individuals from diverse business backgrounds worldwide, all driven by a common desire to make a meaningful difference. Prospective candidates are drawn to the program because they identify challenges within their workplaces, industries, or society as a whole and are eager to address them systematically through their research.
A good DBA program stands out by providing a framework for senior managers to address grand challenges through academic research. It serves as a vital bridge, connecting the business and research communities, and facilitating positive change through original and publishable research. Given the importance of sustainability challenges for businesses, many DBA and PhD researchers are now focusing on sustainability-related topics, recognizing the need for both cutting-edge theoretical contributions and practical solutions to tackle emerging sustainability issues.
Some examples of recent sustainability-related topics from our students include examining the relevance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) scores, exploring organizational sustainability amid economic and financial turmoil, researching the energy transition in Africa, and investigating diversity and inclusion in education and management.
In the current issue of our Doctoral Knowledge Journal, our Doctoral Community reflects on how research acts as a career lever by addressing sustainability challenges such as new business and economic models, and societal impact. Another DBA alumna shares valuable advice on how to manage personal and career challenges while on the doctoral journey. Finally, our PhD candidates dive further into the sustainability topic by sharing their research.
Jinnie Hinderscheit,
Marketing & Admissions Manager, Doctoral School
Doctoral Knowledge Community Journal
Issue #19, autumn 2023
Learn more about our Doctoral Programs
- DBA
- Sustainability
- PhD
