Lecture Series | Thomas Steger (Regensburg) & Taras Danko (Kharkiv) | The Impact of War on Management and Organisational Practices: A critical inquiry

This talk forms part of the lecture series War. Peace. Security. organised by Dr Cindy Wittke (IOS Regensburg) with Dr Paul Vickers (ScienceCampus) and Prof. Ulf Brunnbauer (IOS Regensburg). The lecture will be held in English.

Download the calendar file here.

Abstract:

Can management influence the cause and course of wars, and if so, how can management theory afford to ignore the exigencies of wartime? This lecture addresses these critical questions by examining the profound effects of the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine on management and organizational practices. It explores the role of strategic decision-making, structural adaptation, and cultural shifts within organizations facing violent crises. We probe whether management, as a professional ecosystem, is prepared or even capable of normalizing war as an operational consideration, challenging participants to reflect on the ethical and practical implications of such a paradigm shift in management theory.

Bio:

Taras Danko is a Ukrainian economist and professor at the National Technical University "Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute." His research focuses on international business, innovation management, and economic development. As a civil activist, Prof. Danko is dedicated to European integration, democracy consolidation, and the internationalization of Kharkiv. 

Andreas Steger is Professor of Business Administration at the University of Regensburg, focusing on organization, human resource management, and innovation. His research interests include organizational design, leadership, and innovative strategies in dynamic business environments. Prof. Steger has extensive experience in both academia and consulting, having worked on various interdisciplinary projects that bridge theory and practice.