November 19, 2024. Shanghai - The 6th Annual CEIBS Organisational Behaviour & Human Resource Management (OB/HRM) Symposium brought together scholars, practitioners, and students from around the globe to explore critical issues around the management of employees and organisations amidst sustainability challenges and technological advancements. Held at the CEIBS Shanghai campus on November 19, 2023, this year’s symposium focused on two key areas: Managing for Sustainability, and Managing for Technology and Change. Over 100 participants attended the event, exchanging ideas and cutting-edge research topics in these areas.

The symposium was kicked off with welcome addresses from CEIBS Vice President and Dean Professor Frank Bournois, and Professor of Organisational Behaviour Sebastian Christian Schuh, Chair of the OB/HRM Department. They emphasised the importance of fostering academic exchange on the future of human resource management in the context of both sustainability and digital transformation.

The event featured two major panels. Panel I, Managing for Sustainability, was chaired by Prof. Andrew Wang (CEIBS). A keynote speech in this session delivered by Prof. Peter Bamberger (Tel Aviv University) addressed the concept of Human Capital Sustainability, exploring its meaning, what drives it, and how it links to organisational effectiveness and resilience. Following this keynote, several distinguished scholars presented their research, including Prof. Wu Liu (Hong Kong Polytechnic University) on "Gratitude Expression and Collaboration Opportunities at the Workplace", Prof. Jia Hu (Tsinghua University) on "Sustainable Leadership and the Role of Gratitude in Enhancing Well-being", and Prof. Can Ouyang (Shanghai Jiao Tong University) on "Better Employers for Low-Wage Workers in Fast Food Chains".

In Panel II, Managing for Technology and Change, chaired by Prof. Nana Yaa A. Gyamfi (CEIBS), discussions turned to how organisations are navigating the rapid technological shifts of today’s digital era. Prof. Kaifeng Jiang (Peking University) presented on the "Adoption and Effect of AI-enabled HRM Systems", and Prof. Chou-Yu Tsai (Binghamton University) examined "Leader Emergence in the Digital Realm" through AI and machine learning. Prof. Ke Mai (CEIBS) then explored "Collaborative Creativity in the Age of AI," delving into the dynamics of human-AI co-creation.

The symposium concluded with a panel discussion and closing remarks from Prof. Bamberger and Prof. Schuh, reflecting on the key takeaways from the day’s sessions. The event underscored the increasing importance of managing human capital sustainably in a rapidly changing world where technology plays an ever-greater role.

This year's symposium once again provided a rich opportunity for participants to exchange ideas, deepen their understanding of pressing issues in OB/HRM, and engage with pioneering research in the field. The annual symposium strengthens CEIBS’ reputation as a top-tier business school in the Asia-Pacific region.