Will your Study Make the World A Better Place?

Abstract

This Point-Counterpoint (PCP) on the Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM) movement features three essays on the roles of science and scholars in addressing problems that are significant to both business and society. This introduction discusses three areas that seem to hinder the RRBM movement. The first is that the movement seeks to ‘own the responsible research domain’. A second is that using societal impact to adjudicate whether a single study is ‘responsible’ or ‘irresponsible’ can be irresponsible. A final hindrance are some unintended consequences of overstressing societal impact. Despite these concerns, the three essays bring tremendous clarity and hope to scholars who want their studies to make the world a better place.