Pursuing wisdom in business and management

Last week, we had the privilege of representing the Philippines in the 15th Small and Medium Enterprises International Conference (SMEIC) at National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan. The event's keynote speaker, Dr. David J. Pauleen, offered compelling insights about wisdom that resonated deeply with my own journey as an educator and researcher.

Dr. Pauleen's address centered on the pursuit of practical wisdom in management, a theme that echoes through boardrooms and classrooms alike. As I listened, I couldn't help but draw parallels to our own efforts at the DLSU Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business to nurture wise Lasallian business leaders who make a difference. Dr. Pauleen emphasized that true business wisdom goes beyond mere knowledge accumulation; it requires a delicate integration of experience, ethical considerations, and continuous reflection.

This perspective aligns closely with our approach at RVRCOB, where we've embraced action research methodologies based on Dr. David Coghlan's notions of authenticity. Our MBA students embark on a journey of self-discovery and practical application, engaging in what Coghlan terms first-person (personal), second-person (interpersonal), and third-person (organizational) practices. This framework encourages our students to not only acquire knowledge but to reflect deeply on their experiences and values, and to consider the broader implications of their decisions.

But our pursuit of wisdom in business education doesn't stop there. At RVRCOB, we've integrated our own Lasallian Reflection Framework into our curriculum, guiding studentsthrough the processes of Masid-Danas (See-Experience), Suri-Nilay (Analyze-Reflect), and Taya-Kilos (Commit-Act). This framework, deeply rooted in Filipino values, provides a cultural compass for navigating the complexities of modern business.

As I reflect on Dr. Pauleen's insights and our experiences at RVRCOB, I'm convinced that the pursuit of wisdom in business and management is more critical than ever. In a world grappling with complex challenges – from the pervasiveness of generative AI to social inequality – we need leaders who can navigate uncertainty with wisdom, authenticity, and a strong moral compass.

For schools, this means we must go beyond teaching technical skills and theoretical knowledge. We need to create spaces for reflection, encourage ethical decision-making, and help students develop the capacity to see the bigger picture. It's about fostering a mindset of continuous learning and self-awareness.

For businesses, particularly in the Philippine context, pursuing wisdom means looking beyond short-term profits to consider long-term sustainability and societal impact. It involves creating organizational cultures that value reflection, ethical considerations, and diverse perspectives. Wise leaders understand that business success and societal well-being are not mutually exclusive but deeply interconnected.

Moreover, I believe there's immense value in blending our rich Filipino wisdom traditions with global business practices. Our cultural emphasis on bayanihan, for instance, can inform more collaborative and socially responsible business models. The challenge – and opportunity – lies in finding ways to translate these cultural insights into practical business strategies.

As I conclude these reflections, I'm reminded that the pursuit of wisdom is not a destination but an iterative journey. It requires humility, openness to learning, and a willingness to challenge our aassumptions. Thus, we must embrace this journey towards wisdom in business and management. Let's create organizations and educational experiences that nurture not just skilled professionals, but wise, authentic leaders capable of steering our businesses and our society towards a more sustainable and equitable future. In doing so, we might just rediscover that the pursuit of wisdom is not only good for business – it's essential for the world we wish to create.