Researching Responsibility: Ethical Dilemmas in Organizational Life
The Fieldwork Week of the ERUA Travelling Seminar “Researching Responsibility: Ethical Dilemmas in Organizational Life” took place in Chios from 18-20 November 2025, bringing together students and teaching staff from European University Viadrina (Frankfurt/Oder) and the University of the Aegean. Mixed research teams engaged directly with local organizations, examining how responsibility is understood and practiced in real organizational contexts.
Connecting education, research, and society across Europe
This Fieldwork Week is part of a broader ERUA initiative to strengthen collaboration between universities and local communities across Europe. Through transnational mobility, community-based research, and intercultural teamwork, the Travelling Seminar reflects ERUA’s commitment to:
- building bridges between regions and local ecosystems,
- fostering research-driven dialogue with stakeholders,
- encouraging shared European perspectives on responsibility and ethics, and
- enabling students to become socially engaged, change-oriented professionals.
By immersing participants in the organizational landscape of Chios, the programme created space for hands-on learning and meaningful interaction with local actors, an essential dimension of ERUA’s mission to connect different parts of Europe through transformative academic experiences.
Programme highlights
- Introduction to the local environment and guided campus tour
- Formation of international research teams
- Fieldwork in selected organizations on Chios
- First-stage analysis workshop (coding, themes, patterns)
- Visit to the historic Korais Library
- Group reflection session
A total of 40 participants, undergraduate and postgraduate students, alongside teaching staff from both institutions, joined the three-day programme, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative international learning environment.
Special thanks are extended to Professors Niki Glaveli, Jana Costas, and PhD student Lilo Meier for their academic guidance and continuous support. Appreciation is also expressed to the local entrepreneurs and business leaders who opened their doors and shared valuable insights. Their involvement is central to the ERUA mission of engaging regional and local stakeholders in research and education, enabling students to connect academic inquiry with real community challenges and strengthening ties between universities and local ecosystems.
- Argyro Koutsouradi, Myrovolos Organics
- Giannis Mandalas & Nikos Pantelidis, Mediterra
- Giorgos Toumbos, Chios Mastiha Growers Association
- Giouli Argyroudi, Polyclinic Eleftho
- Maria Sarri, Eros by Maria Sarri
- Kostas Anastasakis, Dust and Cream Chios
- Nikos Bizas, Morning Star Hotel
- Iakovos Amygdalos, Chios Beer
- Christos Katris, Kakitsis Distillery
Gratitude is also extended to Ms. Anastasia Livanou, Secretary General of the Chios Chamber of Commerce, for her warm support.
Next steps
Phase III of the ERUA Travelling Seminar will be hosted by European University Viadrina from 8-10 December 2025, further advancing ERUA’s vision of connecting European regions, fostering academic collaboration, and cultivating responsible future leaders.
