Lucknow— The Faculty of Management Studies at the University of Lucknow, in partnership with the Centre for Social and Behaviour Change (CSBC) of Ashoka University, inaugurated a two-day international conference titled “Human Behaviour in Workplace and Society: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Bridge Theory, Practice, and Policy.” The event opened with the ceremonial lamp lighting, floral greetings, and the unveiling of the conference souvenir.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manuka Khanna expressed satisfaction over the collaboration with CSBC, stating that such initiatives foster interdisciplinary learning and enrich the university’s academic environment. Welcoming delegates, Prof. Sangeeta Sahu, Dean, FMS, underlined the global relevance and timely nature of discussions around human behaviour.
CSBC Director Dr. Sharon Barnhardt spoke about the rising importance of behavioural insights in shaping effective organisational and policy interventions. Chief Guest Prof. Alok Kr. Rai, Director, IIM Calcutta, appreciated the wide-ranging participation of scholars and students. Guest of Honour Dr. Nitin R. Gokaran offered administrative viewpoints on applying behavioural understanding in governance, while Keynote Speaker Prof. Enrique Fatas commended the university’s commitment to advancing behavioural studies.
The opening plenary, chaired by Prof. S. N. Rangnekar of IIT Roorkee, featured insightful presentations by Dr. Isabel Rodriguez Marín from Collegio Carlo Alberto, Turin, and Dr. Sneha Shashidhara from CSBC and Ashoka University, who discussed contemporary findings in behavioural economics and social norms.
This was followed by parallel technical sessions across six thematic tracks covering Management, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, and a special symposium dedicated to Servant Leadership and Human Behaviour. Academicians, researchers, and scholars presented diverse studies, strengthening the multidisciplinary discourse.
Plenary Session II, hosted at the Chanakya Auditorium, centred on “Applying Behaviour Change in Programme and Policy.” Keynote Speaker Naveen Kumar G. S. (IAS), Secretary, Irrigation and Water Resources Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the growing need for behavioural approaches in public administration. The session, chaired by Dr. Pavan Mamidi, featured panellists Aastha Bhakhri, Dr. Archana Kapoor, Dr. Arvind Awasthi, and Mr. Mustafa Kamal, who shared experiences on integrating behavioural science into policymaking.
The first day wrapped up on a promising note, paving the way for deeper academic engagement, idea exchange, and collaborative learning as the conference continues.
