ICME 2026: The Conference

Theme: Management for Good: Thriving Through Disruption

In simple terms, the theme conveys:

In an era of constant disruption, the best strategy for ‘thriving’ is to adopt management practices that are good for people, the planet, and society.

The Faculty of Management and Finance at the University of Ruhuna plans to organize ICME 2026 under the theme “Management for Good: Thriving Through Disruption.” The theme captures the essence of contemporary management and economic challenges in both a global and local context. In recent years, organizations worldwide have faced unprecedented disruptions, ranging from technological transformations like AI and climate-related crises to geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the pandemic. These disruptions have changed the ways businesses operate, forcing managers and policymakers to rethink traditional management practices and adopt more resilient, socially responsible approaches. Conventional management approaches that are predominantly driven by profit-oriented motives are proving inadequate and often exacerbate these disruptions. By focusing on ‘management for good’, the conference emphasizes the dual role of management: not only to achieve economic success but also to generate positive societal impact. The theme moves the discourse from simply surviving chaos to thriving through disruption by leveraging management as a force for ethical innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainable value creation.

Locally, this theme resonates with the urgent realities of Sri Lanka, in an era where we are navigating a period of significant economic, political, and social turbulence. We are confronted with challenges such as fiscal instability, supply chain disruptions, and rapid technological shifts that demand innovative and adaptive management strategies. By highlighting ‘thriving through disruption’, the conference signals a proactive approach: rather than being passive victims of uncertainty, managers, academics, and policymakers are encouraged to explore strategies that turn challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth and societal benefit. ‘Management for good’ speaks directly to this by encouraging an effective approach. The theme encourages a focus on governance, social entrepreneurship, and sustainable practices that can stabilize and transform the local economy, making the conference critically relevant to national recovery.

Globally, the theme resonates with the broader international discourse on responsible management and sustainable economics. Global organizations and scholars are increasingly focusing on creating shared value, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into strategic decision-making, and fostering innovation that benefits multiple stakeholders. By choosing this theme, ICME 2026 positions itself at the forefront of this dialogue, attracting scholars and practitioners who are shaping the future of the discipline