As we stand at the threshold of a new year, it's fitting that we pause to contemplate the significant shifts that have shaped the business landscape in 2024 based on the articles published by the Managing for Society business opinion column. As we reflect on the discussions that have unfolded over the past twelve months, clear patterns emerge - patterns that point to a more enlightened, more purposeful future for business as a force for good.

At the heart of this evolution lies the intricate interplay between technological advancement and human wisdom. In 2024, we witnessed the maturation of artificial intelligence in the business realm. No longer a mere tool, AI has become an integral part of the decision-making process, augmenting and enhancing human capabilities. Yet, even as we embrace the efficiency and insights offered by AI, we have come to recognize the paramount importance of balancing it with ethical considerations and the unique perspective that only human experience can provide. This year has seen the emergence of a more nuanced understanding of AI's role, particularly in the sphere of business education. But have we truly found the right balance, or are we still grappling with the implications of this powerful technology?

Equally noteworthy has been the resurgence of Filipino management principles. In 2024, we saw a deep appreciation for the wisdom inherent in our cultural values, and how these can serve as the foundation for effective leadership. From kagandahang-loob, pakikipagkapwa-tao, and the bayanihan spirit, Filipino values have been recognized as not merely compatible with, but essential to, modern management practices. This year witnessed the synthesis of local wisdom with global best practices, giving rise to distinctly Filipino approaches to organizational excellence that have resonated on the world stage. Yet, we must ask ourselves: how can we ensure that this cultural renaissance is not just a passing trend, but a sustained movement towards a more authentic and grounded way of leading?

This cultural awakening has dovetailed with a broader redefinition of business purpose. No longer content with the singular pursuit of profit, enterprises in 2024 have embraced a more expansive vision of their role in society. Social entrepreneurship continues to emerge as a powerful catalyst for change, with businesses harnessing their resources and expertise to tackle pressing societal challenges. Sustainability, once a peripheral concern, has moved to the core of business strategy, with companies recognizing that their long-term viability is inextricably linked to the health of the planet and the well-being of the communities they serve. The rise of purpose-driven enterprises has been one of the most inspiring trends of 2024, offering a glimpse of the transformative power of business when it is aligned with a higher calling. But are we doing enough, fast enough, to meet the urgent needs of our society?

As we bid farewell to 2024, we do so with a sense of gratitude for the lessons it has taught us, and a sense of anticipation for the journey ahead. We have seen that the future of management lies in the fusion of technological prowess with human insight, in the synthesis of global best practices with local wisdom, and in the alignment of business goals with societal well-being.

As we step into 2025, let us carry forward this learning with a renewed commitment - to always put people first as we harness the power of technology, to lead with the empathy and wisdom of our Filipino values, and to wield the power of business as a force for good in the world.