Why is Academia Sometimes Detached from Firms’ Problems? The Unattractiveness of Research on Organizational Decline

Abstract

We examined how scholars decide what they study, scrutinizing researchers' problem choice. We qualitatively analyzed a survey conducted by e-mail with 40 top management scholars on organizational decline in top-ranked journals. This topic appears to be neglected despite the real life evidence that the performance of firms is declining at an increasingly rapid pace. We conducted a content analysis of motivation to undertake, remain with, or abandon research. We found explanations for what researchers' study specifically related to concerns over tenure and promotion, difficulty in conducting research, and the general unattractiveness of 'negative' themes that lead scholars to avoid a research topic. We contribute to studies on problem choice in management research by explaining why relevant economic and societal research agendas are under-researched. Our findings indicate that motivation not to undertake is related to extrinsic factors. Motivations to remain are usually intrinsic. However, motivations to abandon may be intrinsic, in order to move on to another research project, or extrinsic, depending on the situation. It also serves as a warning that scholars may be paying excessive attention to mainstream theoretical approaches and topics, inhibiting the emergence of new ideas and detracting attention from phenomena that are important for teaching.

Executive perceptions of course and educator performance on flipped classroom

“…Some studies suggest that the FCM is particularly effective in enhancing practical learning. Its successful implementation in business schools could address criticisms related to the perceived lack of practical relevance in MBA programs (Serra et al ., 2020). MBA students generally expect the program to have a positive impact on their careers and professional activities (Antonacopoulou, 2009; Clark, 2015; Cuthbert, 1996; DiDomenico and Bonnici, 1996; Mok, 2014; Strelan et al ., 2020a, b; Vazquez and Ruas, 2012).…”

Harmonizing Science and Society: A Change Management Approach to Align Scientific Endeavors with Societal Needs

“…For example, it is accepted that the urgency to address global challenges, such as climate change, infectious diseases, and resource scarcity, necessitates research that directly informs actionable strategies [11]. However, pursuing esoteric topics that might not have immediate applications can dominate research industries, such as academia, leading to an unintentional detachment from the practical needs of the general population [12][13][14]. This detachment may further contribute to a slow separation between the research institution and the needs of society [15,16] and result in reduced appreciation of the value of many scientific fields of inquiry and the contributions they may bring to current societal needs.…”