We are pleased to announce that our Call for Papers for the BAM2026 Conference has now been published.
2026 marks our 40th Anniversary and as we celebrate this incredible milestone, we are rolling out an expanded calendar of events and initiatives designed to honour our past and shape the future of management scholarship.
The BAM2026 Conference will take place from the 7th September (virtual day) with the in-person days of the Conference from the 9th - 11th September. The Conference is hosted by Royal Holloway, University of London.
Similar to the BAM2025 Conference, we have taken the decision to hold the Conference in a split hybrid model and will include the extra half day in person. With our commitment to make events sustainable and accessible to all, a number of virtual elements will be incorporated within the programme.
Theme: Thriving Together: Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion in Business and Management
The conference theme "Thriving Together: Impact, Innovation, and Inclusion in Business and Management" encapsulates the core values and strategic priorities of the British Academy of Management (BAM) for 2024-2028. The theme is also aligned with Royal Holloway, University of London research priorities. It emphasises the importance of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment within the business and management community, where individuals and institutions can work together to make a positive impact on society, drive innovation, and promote inclusivity.
The theme recognises that in order to thrive, we must prioritise the wellbeing and success of all members of our community, regardless of their background or identity. This aligns with BAM's ongoing commitment to supporting the development of good equality, diversity, inclusivity, and respect (EDIR) practices across the sector. By creating an inclusive and welcoming space for all, we can unlock the full potential of our diverse community and drive meaningful change. Moreover, the theme highlights the critical role that impact and innovation play in shaping the future of business and management.
In an era of rapid technological change (e.g. the rapid development of technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and growing societal challenges, it is essential that our research and practice have real-world impact and contribute to the development of sustainable solutions. By embracing innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible, we can position ourselves at the forefront of our field and make a lasting difference. internally and externally with employees, customers, suppliers and competitors so that experiences of border-crossing do not become a hindrance to the business?
The world of business and management is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by technological, social, and environmental factors. In an era marked by rapid digitisation and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse, growing societal demands for responsibility and sustainability, and the urgent need to address complex global challenges, the imperative to thrive together has never been more pressing (He et al., 2020; Ameen et al., 2024). The British Academy of Management (BAM) Conference theme reflects this zeitgeist and invites scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to explore how we can collectively navigate this transformative landscape and create a more equitable, innovative, and impactful future.
The notion of "thriving together" is rooted in the recognition that the success and well-being of our communities, organisations, and societies are fundamentally interconnected. We must foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where individuals, institutions, and communities can work together to leverage their diverse strengths, share knowledge and resources, and co-create solutions that benefit all. This ethos aligns with BAM's strategic priority of promoting equality, diversity, inclusivity, and respect (EDIR) across the business and management sector.
Central to the theme of thriving together is the emphasis on impact and innovation. As the pace of change accelerates and the complexity of global challenges intensifies, it is essential that our research and practice have real-world impact and contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable solutions (Xia et al., 2024). By fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning, we can push the boundaries of what is possible and develop new models, practices, and technologies that enable us to thrive in the face of uncertainty and change.
Inclusion is another critical pillar of the thriving together paradigm. By embracing inclusion as a core value and practice, we can tap into the full potential of our diverse community and drive meaningful, lasting change. The BAM Conference provides a timely platform to explore these critical themes and engage in a constructive dialogue about how we can thrive together in the face of complex challenges and opportunities.
We will look at the following non exhaustive open issues:
- Inclusive leadership and organisational culture
- Inclusive innovation and addressing the challenges brought by AI and digitisation
- Future of work and employee wellbeing
- Sustainable business models and social impact
- Maximising impact through academic-industry collaborations
Format: The Conference will consist of Paper Presentations, Keynote Panel Sessions, Professional Developmental Workshops (PDWs) and Joint Track Sessions presentations curated by Tracks.
Key Dates: The paper submission site will open on Wednesday 7th January at 09:00 GMT and will close on Friday 27th February at 23:59 GMT.
You can view each call for submissions from the Tracks via the link below along with the Paper Submission Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
2. BAM2026 Paper Submission Guidelines (PDF downloadable)
3. BAM2026 FAQs (PDF downloadable)
Invite your colleagues
Please feel free to pass this onto your colleagues who may be interested in submitting.
Many thanks for your support and we look forward to receiving your submissions in January.