The Academy of Management (AOM) is a professional association dedicated to advancing the study, practice, and development of management and organization theory. Established in 1936, the organization is headquartered in the United States and serves a global membership comprising scholars, educators, and practitioners in the fields of management, organization studies, and related disciplines.
Purpose and Mission
AOM’s mission is to create, disseminate, and apply knowledge about management and organizations. It aims to promote research, teaching, and practice through scholarly publications, conferences, and collaborative initiatives.
Membership
Membership is open to individuals who have an interest in management scholarship and practice. As of recent reports, the Academy includes over 20,000 members from more than 100 countries, encompassing faculty members, graduate students, and professionals.
Publications
The Academy publishes several peer‑reviewed journals that are considered leading outlets in the field, including:
- Academy of Management Journal (AMJ) – focuses on empirical research.
- Academy of Management Review (AMR) – emphasizes theoretical development.
- Academy of Management Learning & Education (AMLE) – addresses teaching and learning issues.
- Academy of Management Perspectives (AMP) – provides practice‑oriented insights.
- Academy of Management Discoveries (AMD) – features innovative research designs and methods.
Conferences and Events
AOM’s flagship event is the annual Academy of Management Meeting, typically held in late summer in the United States. The meeting attracts thousands of attendees and includes paper presentations, symposia, workshops, and networking opportunities. In addition to the main conference, the Academy organizes specialty conferences and regional meetings throughout the year.
Governance
The organization is governed by an elected board of directors and a series of standing committees that oversee activities such as publications, education, research, and membership services. Leadership positions, including the President and Vice‑Presidents, are filled through member elections on an annual or biennial basis.
Awards and Recognition
AOM confers several awards to recognize outstanding contributions to management scholarship, teaching, and service. Notable honors include the Distinguished Scholar Awards, the Best Paper Awards for each of its journals, and the George R. Terry Award for the most impactful article published in the Academy of Management Journal during the preceding decade.
Impact
The Academy of Management is widely regarded as a central institution within the management academic community. Its journals rank highly in scholarly impact metrics, and its conferences serve as major venues for the dissemination of cutting‑edge research. The organization’s activities influence curricula, research agendas, and managerial practices worldwide.