Media Release
Bengaluru, Nov 27: Dr Caren Rodrigues, assistant professor at St Joseph’s Institute of Management (SJIM), Bengaluru, has been selected as a delegate to the global summit Economy of Francesco commissioned by Pope Francis. The Economy of Francesco is a one-time, international, council-style event to address the challenges of current economic models, starting from the thoughts of young experts. The aim of the event is to create and promote a 'common covenant', a new global economic model, which has concern for the environment, the dignity of workers, and justice for the poor.
The invitation to participate came directly from Pope Francis addressed to young people in two categories: researchers in economics and related disciplines, and experts in business. Dr Caren is selected in the researcher category. Participation in the researcher category is based on merit and thousands of applications from over 120 countries and many religions were evaluated by an expert committee.
At the Economy of Francesco, Dr Caren is part of the 'Management and Gift' research sub-group. Her proposal was selected to be presented as one of the 12 best proposals that would help the world move forward through the Economy of Francesco, and will be promoted to national governments, international agencies and organizations. Dr Caren proposes a new HRM paradigm that can serve as a gift to employees while creating economic value for organizations.
When asked how SJIM supported her, Dr Caren says, “The Jesuit management, including our director, are themselves scholars and experts in their fields. So SJIM strongly emphasizes high quality and rigorous research. At the same time, critical thinking and social responsibility find a prominent place in SJIM’s vision. So if you want to look at a mainstream management thought but you have a contrary view and can back up your research empirically, you are not boxed into conventional paradigms – you are encouraged to come up with new thoughts.Both these facets of SJIM’s research outlook helped me tremendously.”
Dr Caren’s research integrates the fair principles of the free market with organizational social responsibility and other practices that promote the common good.The director, Fr Dr Manoj D’Souza SJ, commented, “We warmly congratulate Dr Caren and assure her of our support as she continues to contribute to the Economy of Francesco.”
St Joseph’s Institute of Management (SJIM) Bengaluru is the oldest business school in Karnataka, established by the Jesuit fathers in 1968. In fact, its flagship AICTE-approved PGDM program is now in its 25th year. This program has consistently given thousands of students affordable management education, rigorous training and excellent placements. For more than five decades, the institute and its faculty have contributed to the state and the society, through education and research.