One thing has not changed since I first attended the Academy of Management Annual Meeting as a doctoral student. When the intellectual gods are in the room everyone knows it, and breathing the same air raises one's IQ by at least a few points.
I went to a session on the the future of doctoral education. I didn't mind that they were talking about business schools, what mattered was whether they would say anything smart. The panel had big names that filled the room. And, the first panelist acknowledged the presence of Dick Scott and Paul Lawerence. Two gods! The smartest thing I heard was that doctoral education needs to be more connected to the phenomenon and more connected to problems that matter. And, students need to read more, but read deeply. Those issues resonnated with me.
The other session I went to focused on a book "The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating Caring Economics" by Riane Eisler, better known for her first book, "The Challice and the Blade." She gave an empassioned plea and argument for shifting toward a partnership hierarchy in economics. It all made perfect sense, which was confirmed by the economist on the panel. The other panelists included Jane Dutton and Peter Senge. Again, two gods! I had not heard Peter before and was impressed with his near clairvoyance on issues. It ended with me wanting much much more.
This is the life of an academic, the good life, the stimulating life.
1 comment:
Peter Senge, wow! That would be exciting! You have never mentioned this in our random conversations in the hall or pantry!
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