Anna-Maija Lämsä Shares Insights from the Responsible Business Research Conference 2026 in Tampere Finland

I had the pleasure of representing the PULSE project at the Responsible Business Research Conference, held at Tampere University in Finland, on 11–12 March 2026. Organized for the 14th time, the conference brought together researchers committed to advancing knowledge on business responsibility, sustainability, and ethics in organizational life and society.

The event offered an inspiring platform for sharing research projects, discussing emerging ideas, and exchanging experiences of conducting responsible business research. Nearly 160 participants from Finland and abroad attended, representing a wide range of perspectives and research areas. Discussions spanned topics such as ethics in and around organizations, environmental challenges, circular economy, sustainable management, stakeholder engagement, and broader social issues in business and society.

The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Harry Van Buren III, Professor at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business. In his talk, he addressed the challenges of marginalization and the lack of voice in stakeholder relationships.

Keynote speaker, Professor Harry van Buren III spoke of inclusion and exclusion in stakeholder engagement at the Responsible Business Research Conference.

Professor van Buren III approached his topic through the lens of human rights and emphasized the importance of dialogue between researchers and practitioners. Strengthening this connection, he argued, is essential if research is to contribute meaningfully to real-world challenges. I found the keynote truly inspiring. Its message felt particularly timely in today’s world, where complex global challenges make inclusive dialogue and responsible decision-making more important than ever.

A special track of the conference was the doctoral tutorial, which provided valuable support and guidance for doctoral researchers. I contributed to the event by delivering a presentation and serving as a tutor for doctoral candidates, helping to foster the next generation of scholars.

Anna-Maija Lämsä represented the PULSE project and presented at the conference.

In a presentation prepared together with Raminta Pučėtaitė, I shared key insights from the literature review conducted within the PULSE project. Our presentation examined the moral and ethical ambiguity surrounding petty corruption relationships in the organizational context of healthcare, as well as the everyday conditions and practices that may allow such relationships to develop.

The topic resonated strongly with the audience and sparked a lively discussion. Participants reflected on how complex and context-dependent these issues can be, particularly in healthcare where informal practices, cultural expectations, and multiple pressures may intersect. The discussion highlighted the importance of continuing research and dialogue on this sensitive yet highly relevant topic.

Participating in the conference was an enriching experience, offering new insights, stimulating discussions, and valuable connections with colleagues who share a commitment to advancing responsible and sustainable practices in business, organizational life and society.