The late E.O. Wilson proposed the concept of consilience of knowledge, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of various fields of study as a means to address humanity’s most pressing existential questions: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going?
These questions are not only philosophical but also deeply managerial, as they pertain to the fundamental nature of organizations and leadership. Despite the significance of these inquiries, there remains a notable gap in the literature that bridges the social sciences of management and leadership with the natural sciences and the humanities.
This book aims to explore the unifying perspectives that can emerge from integrating insights from evolutionary theory, management practices, and leadership strategies. We invite scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders to contribute original research, theoretical papers, and case studies that examine how the principles of humanistic management can be enriched by the multilevel selection paradigm. Especially the work of David Sloan Wilson and Dennis Snower (2024) highlights the application of generalized Darwinism to economic systems, emphasizing the need for an integrative framework that encompasses cultural evolution and the interconnectedness of political, social, and environmental contexts.
Multi-Level Selection theory offers a rich framework for addressing complex challenges in humanistic management. By investigating the interplay between individual and group dynamics, cooperation and competition, and ethical decision-making, researchers can help organizations evolve toward more sustainable, resilient, and human-centered models. Addressing these open research questions can provide valuable insights into how evolutionary principles can transform management practices in ways that enhance both organizational success and human well-being.
Topics of Interest:
We invite theoretical, empirical, and case-based chapters that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:
1. Evolutionary Foundations of Humanistic Management:
o How can principles from evolutionary biology (e.g., adaptation, cooperation) inform humanistic management models?
o What role does human evolutionary psychology play in shaping leadership, organizational culture, and ethical decision-making?
o How do evolutionary perspectives challenge or reinforce traditional management paradigms?
2. Cooperation, Competition, and Organizational Ecosystems:
o How can evolutionary concepts of cooperation and competition be applied to humanistic management in business ecosystems?
o In what ways do organizations evolve in response to environmental and social pressures, and how can they foster cooperation over competition to create human-centered value?
o What lessons can organizations draw from natural systems to create more resilient and sustainable business models?
3. Adaptation and Organizational Change:
o How can organizations apply evolutionary principles to drive adaptive leadership and resilience in the face of complex challenges?
o How does the concept of “survival of the fittest” apply or not apply to humanistic management in modern organizational contexts?
o What are the implications of evolutionary adaptation for managing diversity, inclusion, and human flourishing in organizations?
4. Evolutionary Systems Thinking and Stakeholder Management:
o How can systems thinking, rooted in evolutionary theory, inform stakeholder management and create more inclusive and participatory organizations?
o What are the potential benefits of applying evolutionary dynamics to stakeholder engagement and long-term value creation?
o How can organizations balance the competing needs of various stakeholders in a way that supports human dignity and collective well-being?
5. Sustainable Development and Evolutionary Management:
o How can evolutionary perspectives on sustainability and environmental stewardship inform humanistic management practices?
o In what ways can businesses evolve to align with natural ecosystems and global sustainability goals?
o How do evolutionary strategies like regeneration, resilience, and long-term adaptability influence sustainable business practices?
6. Cultural Evolution and Leadership Development:
o How does cultural evolution shape leadership development and organizational behaviors in humanistic management?
o What evolutionary insights can be used to foster ethical leadership that aligns with humanistic values?
o How can organizations cultivate cultures of cooperation, empathy, and ethical responsibility through an evolutionary lens?
Submission Guidelines:
We welcome contributions from scholars and practitioners in the fields of management, organizational studies, evolutionary biology, psychology, and related disciplines. Submissions may include:
· Empirical research
· Theoretical papers
· Case studies
· Interdisciplinary approaches
Authors are invited to submit a chapter proposal (500–1,000 words) that outlines the key focus of the contribution, research questions, methodology (if applicable), and the intended contribution to the field of regeneration. Full chapters should be between 5,000 and 7,000 words, including references.
Important Dates:
· Chapter Proposal Submission Deadline: [February, 28, 2025]
· Notification of Acceptance: [April 30, 2025]
· Full Chapter Submission Deadline: [August 29, 2025]
· Expected Publication: [Early 2026]
Submission Process: Please submit your abstracts and full papers via the submission portal . For further information and inquiries, contact info@humanisticmanagement.international
Contact Information:
For additional questions, please reach out to info@humanisticmanagement.international
We look forward to your contributions and to advancing the conversation on how evolutionary thinking can shape the future of humanistic management.
References:
Wilson, D. S., & Snower, D. J. (2024). Rethinking the Theoretical Foundation of Economics I: The Multilevel Paradigm. Economics, 18(1), 20220070.
Pirson, M. (2017). Humanistic management: Protecting dignity and promoting well-being. Cambridge University Press.