Masterclass in Business Leadership Highlights Purpose-Driven Research

The session, titled “A Purpose-Driven Research Agenda: Towards Relevance, Rigor, and Responsibility in Academic Inquiry,” was facilitated by Dr. Michael Angelo Cortez, a Professor of Accounting at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan. Dr. Cortez discussed how academic research must go beyond the pursuit of publication and recognition, underscoring the need for studies to remain relevant to present societal and industry challenges. He explained that research achieves greater value when it addresses issues that affect communities, industries, and policy making. At the same time, rigor must be maintained to ensure that findings are credible and reliable, while responsibility requires researchers to consider the ethical, social, and environmental impact of their work. In this way, research becomes not only a contribution to knowledge but also a tool for sustainable and inclusive development.

The masterclass also encouraged participants to view research as a purposeful journey rather than a mere academic requirement. Dr. Cortez highlighted that when students and scholars adopt a mindset anchored on relevance, rigor, and responsibility, they are more likely to produce outputs that can inspire meaningful change. He noted that purpose-driven research strengthens critical thinking, fosters collaboration across disciplines, and equips future professionals with the skills needed to respond to global issues. As part of this, Dr. Cortez also addressed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in research. He emphasized the importance of using AI responsibly, not as a replacement for human judgment, but as a tool that can support data analysis, enhance productivity, and open new opportunities for inquiry. By integrating AI with academic rigor and ethical responsibility, researchers can maximize its potential while safeguarding the integrity of their work.