During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business environment has undergone significant changes. To provide additional knowledge regarding developments in management science during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Management Universitas Airlangga presents a series of guest lectures featuring international lecturers.

The first guest lecture was held on Saturday, September 18, 2021, with our international guest lecturer, Dr. Felix Septianto from The University of Queensland, Australia. The session was moderated by Dr. Dien Mardhiyah, Coordinator of the Undergraduate Management Study Program Universitas Airlangga.  

In the event titled "Charitable Advertising during COVID-19," Dr. Felix Septianto explained how to foster pro-social behavior in society and the importance of pro-social behavior for society to have during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the results of research conducted by Dr. Felix and his team, during the Covid-19 pandemic, people have a feeling of awe towards threats ( threat-based awe ) when they read news or see advertisements related to Covid-19. This feeling of awe or surprise at the threat that people feel is more likely to feel fear and worry. Regarding this condition, the research results suggest that advertisements are better designed by emphasizing the message "why" rather than "how" so that advertisements can motivate people to act pro-socially or help each other. Dr. Felix also added that advertisers need to pay attention to the public's mindset to move forward (growth mindset) and recover from this pandemic.

In closing his presentation, Dr. Felix Septianto emphasized that encouraging pro-social behavior in the community can build resilience in the face of the pandemic, not only at the individual level but, more importantly, at the community level. Achieving this community-level resilience will better assist the government in implementing post-pandemic recovery efforts, and improve public well-being.

The complete recording of this seminar can be found on the YouTube account of the FEB UNAIR Management Department at the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osRpz8idRpE

Speaker materials can be downloaded at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D_qLe0KnrsGFh8cfPdmEZlQSgWImz1zi/view