Language and Management: A panoramic view of theorization and methodology
Organizers:
Tao Wang (* Contact)
Associate Professor of Strategy
emlyon business school
twang@em-lyon.com
Yuan Li
Associate Professor of Management and Organization theory
Saint Mary’s College of California
yl4@stmarys-ca.edu
Will Zhao
Assistant Professor of Organization and Human Behaviour
Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, University of Waterloo
wwzhao@uwaterloo.ca
Presenters and Panelists (in alphabetic order):
Gino Cattani
Professor of Management and Organizations
Stern School of Business, New York University
gc59@stern.nyu.edu
Wei Guo
Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship
China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
weivivian.guo@ceibs.edu
Renate Meyer
Professor of Organization Studies
WU Vienna University of Economics and Business
renate.meyer@wu.ac.at
Roy Suddaby
Professor and Francis G. Winspear Chair of Management
Peter B. Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria
rsuddaby@uvic.ca
Eero Vaara
Professor in Organisations and Impact
Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
eero.vaara@sbs.ox.ac.uk
Lori Qingyuan Yue
Associate Professor of Business
Columbia Business School, Columbia University
qy2103@gsb.columbia.edu
Language and Management: A panoramic view of theorization and methodology
“The limits of my language are the limits of my mind”, so claims Wittgenstein. Language is central in management research, underpinning how management scholars describe, predict, and explain complex organizational phenomena, from individual behavior to field dynamics. Language not only captures the tangible and intangible elements of organizational life but also actively constructs meaning and guides perception within and beyond organizational boundaries. How, then, do scholars conceptualize, model and empirically examine language in management research? What is known about language’s influence on management theory, how do we move forward from current knowledge stock, and how can we evolve our methods to address the nuanced role of language in studying modern organizations?
The goal of this PDW is to showcase and advance established and emerging approaches of using and theorizing language, including rhetoric, semiotics, discourses, narrative, visuality and multimodality, and computational and machine learning-based approaches. Six leading scholars from around the world—including representation from both Western and Chinese research perspectives— will present their insights on each of the above-mentioned perspectives, and then engage in a panel discussion to exchange and contrast their assumptions, practices, and methods, demonstrating how language informs various research domains, including strategy, organization theory, and innovation. A special focus will be placed on the challenges and opportunities of mobilizing language across cultural boundaries, particularly in our increasingly digital and interconnection era.
The proposed PDW will last around 3 hours and consist of three parts. The first part includes a brief Introduction (5 minutes), and six presentations by invited panelists (90 minutes, each 15 minutes). The second part is a moderate panel discussion among paneliests as an extension of their presentations (50 minutes). Similarities and differences across different approaches will be further explored. Practical questions regarding framing and reviewing of papers will be addressed. The third part is an open Q&A interacting with the audience (30 minutes). The PDW will end with a short Conclusion and future directions (5 minutes). Below is a detailed breakdown of the workshop format:
- Introduction (5 minutes):The workshop will begin with a brief introduction, providing an overview of language in management research and setting the stage for the following presentations.
- Panelist Presentations (90 minutes): Each of the leading scholars will present for 15 minutes on their chosen approach. The diversity of perspectives will showcase how methodologies like rhetoric, semiotics, and computational analysis can address various facets of management research.
- Moderated Panel Discussion (50 minutes): Following the presentations, the panelists will engage in a moderated discussion to deepen the exploration of themes introduced in their presentations. The discussion will cover the similarities and differences among the approaches. Practical issues will be addressed, such as framing language-based research within broader management studies, reviewing challenges, and enhancing methodological rigor.
- Open Audience Q&A (30 minutes): This interactive segment will offer practical advice for researchers seeking to adopt language-based methods in their own work and provide an opportunity to discuss broader issues
- Conclusion and Future Directions (5 minutes): The workshop will close with a synthesis of key insights and takeaways, summarizing how each methodology contributes to the growing field of language and management research.
This PDW will be held in English and open to all who are interested.