Management education faces a critical challenge: fostering student engagement. Recent surveys reveal that the majority of undergraduate students struggle to stay engaged, and almost two thirds of instructors identify maintaining student interest as a key pedagogical hurdle. We propose that there might be an overlooked yet transformative factor in addressing these challenges: fun. While fun is a recognized human pursuit, its intentional integration into management education remains an afterthought. Our review of experiential learning exercises across seven prominent journals (2019–2023) revealed that 44% addressed fun indirectly, highlighting its undervalued role in pedagogy. We propose a 2x2 framework that positions play and pleasure as central elements in reimagining management education. We distinguish between ludic (imaginative) and agonistic (competitive) play, and plaisir (affirming pleasure) and jouissance (challenging enjoyment). This framework categorizes and enhances experiential learning approaches, demonstrating how combining play and pleasure can yield transformative learning experiences. By embracing this framework, educators can enhance engagement, learning, and retention while fostering positive learner identities and well-being. This proposal invites attendees to consider the provocative question: “Is it time to take fun seriously in the classroom?” Through an interactive poster session, we aim to spark a community of practice that champions fun as a vital, deliberate component of management education, ensuring learning is both engaging and impactful.
This session is part of the Teaching and Learning Conference (TLC@AOM). Space is limited; separate complimentary TLC@AOM pre-registration on a first-come, first-served basis is required. The TLC@AOM registration deadline is 27 July 2025, unless sold out. Register for TLC@AOM.
