Please post the following in the list serves:
You are cordially invited to participate in a lively discussion at the following PDW session at the upcoming Academy of Management Conference:
Dirty Words: Topics that Drive Debate
and (sometimes) Divide International Scholars
Program Session #: 346 | Submission: 16130 | Sponsor(s): (IM, ITC, BPS)
Scheduled: Saturday, Aug 2 2014 12:30PM - 2:00PM
at Pennsylvania Convention Center in Room 107 B
Pre-registration is not required.
Organizer: Mikelle A. Calhoun; Georgia Southern U.;
Participant: Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra; Northeastern U.;
Participant: John Lawler; U. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
Participant: Florian Wettstein; U. of St. Gallen;
Participant: John Mezias; U. of Miami;
Differing perspectives born out of unique cultures, markets and governments inject philosophical complexity into discussions of international scholars. Reaching consensus is sometimes difficult and convergence of ideas elusive. Our inherent divisiveness is no more apparent than when considering certain inherently "dirty" topics that suggest inappropriate actions and evoke negative sentiments. In addition, some issues though neutral on the surface contain controversy or confusion at deeper levels. Potentially dirty words and topics are or fall within consideration of corruption, discrimination and sustainability. Corruption can evoke visceral reactions as the very word suggests proper or improper behavior. Discussions concerning discrimination test deeply ingrained cultural and religious beliefs. At the extreme, discrimination can involve exploitation and sweatshops. Sustainability is an idealistic concept that imposes responsibility on all for the welfare of others and of our planet. The consequences and costs of sustainability cause tension, however, especially when considering matters of pollution and the needs and responsibilities of developed versus developing countries. The common thread through all of these dirty words is judgment, which pits one cultural perspective against another. The purpose of the PDW is to bring together scholars interested in analyzing issues involving the dirty word concepts to provoke greater consensus and understanding that may further our collective scholarly efforts. The PDW would commence with brief presentations to highlight the complicated and differing perspectives on the dirty words. The PDW would then shift to round-table discussions intended to further understanding and promote continued development of research on these sometimes overlapping international concepts.
Best Regards and Hope to see you at Academy!
Mikelle Calhoun
Georgia Southern University
prof.calhoun@gmail.com