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PDW: Developing a Theory of Business

This new Professional Development Workshop invites you to reflect on past and present ways of conceiving of the purpose of business, and opens new ways forward in developing theories of business that reflect the values and aspirations of our society.

The idea that in addition to theories of the firm we may also need a theory of 'business' was recently raised by Donaldson and Walsh (2015). Join us in reviewing the broader question of whether we need such a 'theory of business' and, if so, what form it should take.  We hope to spark further thinking about how the theory of business and the theory of the firm inform each other. Looking to identify and organize fellow conceptual travellers, in this PDW we would love to develop a Theory of Business Research Network.

After a brief presentation of the key challenges in our endeavour, all participants will be engaged in a wide discussion of the project, and an open list of research questions and problems will be generated. Participants will then be invited to continue the conversation in small groups. Each group will choose one compelling research issue from this list, and brainstorm ways of advancing this area of research. A spokesperson from each roundtable will present their ideas to the whole group; and the groups will explore opportunities for collaborative work. The research ideas resulted from the workshop will be circulated to all participants who would like to continue the conversation.

In sum, we imagine two important outcomes from our time together:

a.       developing a compendium of compelling new research ideas; and

b.      possibly launching a Theory of Business Research Network to pursue them.

The PDW is scheduled to take place on Friday, Aug 5 2016 from 4:30 - 6:00PM, in La Jolla, Los Angeles of the Anaheim Marriott Hotel.  There is no need to pre-register for this PDW.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

The Organizers:

Cristina Neesham (Swinburne University)

Thomas J. Donaldson (University of Pennsylvania)

James P. Walsh (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor)

Reference:

Donaldson, T., & Walsh, J. P. 2015. Toward a Theory of Business. Research in Organizational Behavior, 35: 181-207.