Organization and Management Theory OMT

Professional Organization Research: A Focus on Theory

Session Type: PDW Workshop          Session: 10073 | Sponsor(s): (OMT, OB, HCM)

Friday, Aug 4 2017, 10:15AM - 11:45AM

Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Marquis M101

Research on professionals and their work-places is becoming increasingly popular, reflecting the growing importance of experts and other knowledge workers in contemporary society (Empson, et al., 2015). Yet we also note that researchers often struggle to ground their studies and to contribute to theoretical bases that are appropriate to this field (Saks, 2016; Suddaby & Muzio, 2015). Following successful PDWs over the last few years on methodological issues in professional organization research, this year we turn our attention to theoretical development in this field. Our brief is to address theory from three perspectives: (1) Retrospective -- on theory that have been used in professions research; (2) Normative -- how better to use theory; and (3) Prospective -- towards a theory of professional organization. Our panel will address these three perspectives, and a substantial question/answer/discussion period will be included. The PDW will also afford opportunity for small group interactions with our expert panelists and editors.

Presenters:

Paul S. Adler, U. of Southern California

Roy R Suddaby, U. of Victoria/ Newcastle U.

In general this PDW will be an opportunity for prospective authors to learn more about these theoretical ideas and about research in the professions in general. Prospective participants are welcome to contact the organizers, David Brock (dmb@bgu.ac.il), Beth Goodrick (goodrick@fau.edu), Hüseyin Leblebici, (hleblebi@illinois.edu) and Daniel Muzio (daniel.muzio@newcastle.ac.uk) in advance with any questions or suggestions at all concerning the PDW, research in professional organizations, or queries about the Journal or Professions and Organization  (http://jpo.oxfordjournals.org/).