20891: Organizing For Peace: Perspectives on Theory, Methodology, and Action

In an era of intensifying global conflicts, understanding how businesses and organizing processes can contribute to peacebuilding has become increasingly critical. Enhancing research on this topic reflects the broader recognition that organizations and organizing can serve as powerful tools for tackling societal challenges. Yet, focusing on the specific and urgent issue of conflicts and wars moves beyond treating grand challenges as a unified concept, emphasizing their distinct dimensions. The growing literature on business and peace offers valuable insights into how private-sector organizations can support peacebuilding efforts. The complexity and interconnected nature of conflict require a systems perspective on exploring additional types of organizations and organizing processes, considering the interconnectedness of various peacebuilding mechanisms and the conditions that generate wars and conflicts in the first place. Drawing on insights from business and peace scholarship, grand challenges research, and system-change perspectives, this workshop aims to inspire dialogue and advance theoretical approaches to studying peacebuilding through organizational lenses. Beyond theoretical development, the workshop will address crucial methodological issues scholars face when studying peacebuilding, such as navigating data collection in conflict contexts, understanding the implications of a systems perspective for peace work, and tackling teaching challenges in this field. To achieve these goals, the workshop will convene scholars from diverse but complementary perspectives—including business and peace, organizing for peace, and system change. Featured speakers will share insights from these fields, leading to facilitated roundtable discussions where participants workshop their ongoing research, receive constructive feedback, and explore research opportunities and challenges in this vital domain.

This session will open with panel presentations from scholars followed by facilitated round tables on topics of interest. Participants interested in the roundtable discussions will have an (optional) opportunity to submit a one-page abstract detailing their research question, theoretical approach, methodological considerations, and anticipated challenges or areas where they seek feedback. These can be submitted to: linda.jakob@gmail.com by July 14, 2025.