Call for Submissions
Organization and Management Theory Division (OMT)
2026 Call for Professional Development Workshop (PDW) Proposals
Division PDW Chair: Jo-Ellen Pozner, Santa Clara University
The Organization and Management Theory Division (OMT) invites submissions of proposals for Professional Development Workshops (PDWs) to take place 31 July – 2 August (Friday to Sunday) at the 2026 Academy of Management Annual Meetings in Philadelphia.
What is a PDW, and why should you propose one?
Think of PDWs as the preconference appetizer that whets one’s intellectual appetite before the main course of the scholarly program. Held during the first days of the Annual Meeting, PDWs allow us to roll up our sleeves and dig into the good stuff: exploring emerging research questions, advancing novel theoretical perspectives, building research and teaching skills, fostering new connections, and generally helping each other become better scholars and colleagues.
Unlike symposia or paper sessions, PDWs are all about active engagement. They might involve workshops, conversations about paper development and feedback, debates, roundtable discussions, design sessions, brainstorming/hackathons – whatever will get people talking and thinking. Participants should walk away with new insights, skills, or connections (or ideally, all three). Think of it as a charcuterie board, from which everyone can sample and contribute their own tidbits.
What makes a great OMT PDW?
OMT sits at the intersection of micro- and macro-organizational analysis, bringing together scholars across disciplinary boundaries to advance our understanding of organizations and organizing. We are looking for PDW proposals that contribute to this mission by being:
- Innovative: PDWs should serve up fresh ingredients and bold flavors that nourish intellectual growth. PDWs are the ideal vehicle for creative and engaging ways to help current and potential OMT members develop professionally. That means everything from advancing theoretical conversations and building research skills to improving teaching and expanding networks. Is there a novel research area, empirical setting, or methodology you would like to build a community around? This is a great opportunity to get your ideas in front of a receptive audience.
- Interactive: We strongly prefer formats that get participants actively involved. Passive listening is for podcasts; PDWs should be opportunities for participants to cook together, not just watching a demonstration.
- Inclusive: PDWs should appeal to a broad and diverse range of OMT members and potential members across career stages, nationalities, and backgrounds. The best meals bring everyone to the table!
How to Submit
- Create your proposal following the AOM guidelines. Please include a statement of proposed takeaways: what would you like participants to learn or develop by participating?
- Upload your proposal to the AOM submission website by 13 January 2026, at 17:00 ET (UTC-5/GMT-5).
- Indicate potential co-sponsors: If your PDW might interest members of other AOM divisions (e.g., ENT, STR, OB, MOC, TIM,), please note that in your submission.
Have questions? Feel free to reach out to Jo-Ellen Pozner at [email protected].
We look forward to reviewing your creative and engaging proposals!