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Purpose Day

The annual Purpose European forum, by HEC Paris S&O Purpose Center

The place where researchers, corporates, investors and regulators work together to translate Purpose into authentic action.

Banniere Purpose day

 

Over the past years, there has been an explosion of interest in purpose-driven leadership. Academics, leaders and  business experts make the case that purpose-based organizations are able to unleash human and business potential. Then, it is time to discuss the ways to elaborate and incarnate Purpose, its actual effects, and the conditions for making the most of it:

 

How can Purpose best be elaborated and embodied?

Does Purpose bring positive change within teams and for team members?

What impact does Purpose have on stakeholders?

 

Purpose is not just a statement; it's a conversation, a way of life.

 

R. Edward Freeman, Academic, Philosopher, and Father of the Stakeholder View of Firm.

2025 EDITION

of HEC S&O Purpose Day


Corporate Purpose: Navigating Dissent” is the theme of this 2025 edition, which brings a unique focus on the tensions that challenge purpose-driven organizations. Throughout the day, we’ll examine how companies can foster authenticity and trust as they address internal and external pressures. We’ll explore the role of dissent in shaping a credible corporate purpose.

Florent Menegaux - HEC Purpose Day 2025
Oxford Union Debate - HEC Purpose Day 2025
Marie Ekeland 2050 - HEC Purpose Day 2025

2024 EDITION


"Bring Purpose to Life": This summit will address how purpose intent can be translated into authentic action. We aim to unlock insights from the keynote speakers, panelists and participants into how best to embed purpose in firm culture and governance, as well as the latest thinking on how purpose can best be measured.

Edward Freeman about purpose and stakeholder relationships
Hubert Joly: What is at stake?
Why do investors care about corporate purpose?

2023 EDITION


The first edition of the HEC Purpose Day: Bringing Change with Purpose. The opportunity to highlight and present all the work made by the S&O Professors and Doctorants around the Purpose.

Denis Machuel at the S&O Purpose Day 2023
HEC Purpose Day 2023 : Best-of Video
banniere  lead content Purpose Library

Purpose Library

All Papers and Documents about Purpose from the S&O Institute

Discover here

Partners

 

Oxford Said Business School Centre for Corporate Reputation

Oxford University Centre for Corporate Reputation

Enacting Purpose Initiative

Enacting Purpose Initiative

Logo purpose

Joly Family Chair

followed by many individual donors 


First HEC Endowed Chair in Purposeful Leadership
Holder: Rodolphe Durand, Professor of Strategy

Forvis Mazars

Accounting for Purpose Chair

Holder: Luc Paugam, Associate Professor of Accounting

 

HEC PURPOSE PROGRAM

In-class
Place(s): Paris
Executive short program

Purpose & Performance

Duration:
2 days
Language(s):
English
Next start(s):
Nov 06, 2025
Price:
5000 €*

PURPOSE TEAM

Professor of Strategy and Academic Director of the Purpose Center
Romain Briat
Executive Director of the Purpose Center
Iiris Sacchet - photo contact 2019
Iiris Sacchet
S&O Project Manager