The Management History Division of the Academy of Management organizesa two-step Virtual Paper Development Workshop Series designed to help scholars develop promising ideas into strong submissions for the 2026 Academy of Management Conference. The first session, the Idea Paper Development Workshop (Friday, November 7, 2025), will focus on refining the core research idea—its positioning, research question, theoretical contribution, and fit with the MH Division. Participants will receive concrete guidance on scoping a compelling project, insights from MH Division Executives on aligning with the division’s scope, and practical advice on transforming ideas into viable studies. A brief one-page idea deck (including motivation, research questions, theoretical anchors, design/contribution pathway, and MH fit) is required for participation, with a submission deadline of Monday, November 3, 2025. The second session, the Full Paper Development Workshop (Friday, December 12, 2025), will build on the earlier session to provide developmental feedback on framing, structure, and contribution, as well as guidance on positioning manuscripts for journals and conferences.
The first session, held on November 7, 2025, focused on strengthening the foundation of participants’ projects: defining clear research questions, sharpening theoretical framing, and ensuring alignment with the MH Division’s scope. Participants submitted a concise idea deck outlining their project’s motivation, theoretical anchors, and intended contribution. We were pleased to welcome 14 participants from Turkey, Russia, France, the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Morocco. Through small-group discussions and individualized feedback, participants exchanged constructive comments and reflected on how their projects contribute to understanding management and organization through a historical lens. The diversity of perspectives and topics—ranging from leadership and entrepreneurship to institutional change and management thought—enriched the dialogue and reinforced the collaborative spirit of the Division.
