Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Switzerland
All scholars set out to publish high-quality and important research. The attributes of high quality research have been discussed at length in past commentaries (e.g., the “Publishing in AMJ” series of FTEs). What does it mean, though, for research to be important? One factor in evaluating importance is making a significant theoretical contribution--enriching, extending, and elaborating upon previous theoretical understandings of a phenomenon. A significant theoretical contribution is necessary for a high-quality paper. Indeed, we note psychologist Lewin’s (1952) adage that “there is nothing so practical as a good theory.” However, the consensus may be shifting away from a sole focus on theoretical contributions such that research is also viewed as important when it yields insights that have the potential to significantly change management practice in ways that better organizations and society (Tihanyi, 2020). Attend this session to meet with the award winners from the papers that have received AMJ’s Impact Award.