Management Education and the Development Sector: Purpose, Practice, and Possibilities

Navigating social realities in the development sector

About the session

What kind of management education is needed to address India’s complex development challenges? How can professionals from diverse backgrounds contribute to strengthening the organisational capacity of social sector organisations?

This in-person discussion will explore the role of management education in enhancing the organisational capabilities to navigate complex social realities in the development sector. The conversation will reflect on the kind of competencies that managers in social sector organisations require in order to work effectively with communities, institutions, and government systems; and how educational programmes can support this journey.

The speakers bring with them years of experience in teaching courses on development management, leading and managing programmes, promoting institutions, evaluating impact, and supporting organisational growth across sectors. Their insights will offer valuable perspectives on what it takes to lead mission-driven work in today’s development landscape.

This session is ideal for:

  • Graduates and final-year students from any discipline who are passionate about engaging with social change and are exploring careers in the development sector
  • Young professionals working in NGOs, CSR, public systems, or grassroots initiatives looking to strengthen their understanding of organisational management and leadership
  • Individuals from corporate or business backgrounds who are considering a meaningful transition into development work
  • Anyone curious about ways to adapt management principles and serve the public good in areas such as education, health, livelihoods, sustainability, and inclusion

Why attend?

  • Gain insights into how management principles are applied to address social challenges
  • Understand the dynamics of leadership and organisational development in the development sector
  • Explore career pathways that integrate management with public purpose 

Speakers              

At Delhi:  Annapurna Neti and Nikhil Desai

At Kolkata: Ashok Kumar Sircar, Gopi Sankar G and Nitesh Bhat