Not Even Trying to Change the World: Why Do Elite Management Journals Ignore the Major Problems Facing Humanity?

Abstract

Social scientists have long been concerned with using their research to make the world a better place and there are frequently calls within the management studies community for research which does so. In this essay, we consider the extent to which such concerns and calls are reflected in what is published in elite management journals. We coded approximately 5,500 articles published in “top-tier” management journals between 2008 and 2018 and found that only 2.8% of articles critically addressed global “grand challenges”—such as inequality, climate change, racism, and gender discrimination. This essay explores the possible reasons why. We reject the explanation that management academics are uninterested in major problems facing the world. Our argument instead focuses on the relationship between business school practices and journal norms. We term this the business school/elite journal gridlock. To break the gridlock, a number of changes are recommended.