Dr. Christopher Michaelson, ISBEE Secretariat Ten days after the EURO 2012 Lech Walesa will open your Fifth ISBEE World Congress 2012 in Warsaw. Why did you choose him? Mr. Walesa’s accomplishments as a political and labor leader demonstrate the importance of public-private partnership to sustain economic and ethical well-being. We are honored that Mr. Walesa will address our gathering. Why do you go for Poland as destination for your quadrennial world congress? Eastern Europe countries in general, and Poland in particular, include many transition markets that are priorities for business expansion but also vulnerable to global and European economic woes. The tension between the opportunity for growth and the risk of stagnation gives rise to important ethical challenges that must be managed. The ISBEE World Congress at the Kozminski University is referred to as the "Olympics of Business Ethics". What does that mean? The ISBEE World Congress is a truly global assembly of scholars and practitioners sharing their knowledge and experience – much like a gathering of elite athletes does at the Olympics. What are the main challenges for ISBEE today? While today’s political and business leaders prioritize economic growth, ISBEE’s members also examine the social, environmental, and other implications of economic activity on sustainable growth. Balancing short-term economic objectives with long-term well-being is a challenge for all of us that requires dialogue and collaboration. Business Ethics – what should international associations know about it? In contrast to dominant attitudes over much of the 20th century, in the 21st century, business ethics is widely accepted as a foundation for economic growth to generate general well-being. Business ethics encompasses not only compliance with laws and regulations but also the aspiration to make the world better through business and economic activity. The International Society of Business, Economics, and Ethics (ISBEE) is the first world-wide professional association to focus exclusively on the study of business, economics, and ethics. Individual membership consists of academicians, managers of business firms and of not-for-profit organizations. The mission of ISBEE is to provide a forum for the exchange of experiences and ideas; to enhance cooperation in cross-functional and cross-cultural projects; and to discuss the ethical dimension of economic, social, and environmental issues which affect companies nationally and internationally. http://www.globethics.net/web/guest/about-isbee The Fifth ISBEE World Congress 2012 "Tradition and new horizons; Towards the virtue of Responsibility" will take place at Kozminski University, Warsaw, Poland, from 11 to 14 July 2012. http://isbee2012.kozminski.edu.pl | ||||||