The Economics, Philosophy, and Politics of Purpose at Work, HEC Purpose Day 2026

Can mainstream economics finally account for "Purpose"? Sir Tim Besley explores the intersection of justice, dignity, and productivity in the modern workplace. In this policy keynote from the HEC S&O Purpose Day 2026, Sir Tim Besley (Professor of Economics and Political Science, London School of Economics and Political Science) challenges the traditional economic view of the firm. Moving beyond simple profit maximization, he integrates philosophical principles from Elizabeth Anderson and Michael Sandel to explain why purpose is not just "fluff," but a structural necessity for modern organizations. Sir Tim Besley argues that firms are not just producers of private goods, but creators of "local public goods"—environments where dignity, respect, and pro-sociality drive both human well-being and economic performance. The Purpose Day is hosted by the HEC Paris S&O Institute Purpose Center in collaboration with the Oxford University Center for Corporate Reputation on April 7, 2026, at the Cité Universitaire de Paris. More informations about the HEC Purpose Day 2026 : https://www.hec.edu/en/society-organizations-institute/events/purpose-profit-20-after-backlash-what-remains The Sustainability & Organizations Institute of HEC Paris : https://www.hec.edu/en/institutes-and-centers-expertise/sustainability-organizations-institute #HECPurposeDay #HECPurposefulLeadership #Purpose #Raisondêtre #Leadership #HECParis #EconomicsOfPurpose #CorporateResponsibility