12774: Towards a Research Agenda: Cybersecurity as an Organizational Phenomenon

This symposium explores cybersecurity through the lens of organizational theory. Despite growing attention to digitalization and societal challenges, cybersecurity remains notably absent from the collective research agenda of management scholars. This oversight is unfortunate, as cyber threats—such as state-sponsored attacks, ransomware campaigns, and breaches—have profound implications not only for the operations and reputation of organizations but also for society at large, potentially compromising citizens’ access to essential goods and services, including food, energy, and healthcare. This panel aims to spark broader interest in the topic while emphasizing the critical role of organizational dynamics in shaping prevention, response, and learning from cyber incidents. Current research on cybersecurity often focuses on technology and individual behavior, neglecting their organizational context. By bringing together scholars from organization theory, information systems, and science and technology studies, alongside practitioners with applied industry experience, the symposium integrates diverse perspectives to outline a research agenda for cybersecurity. Reflecting our goal of sparking interest and building a community around this topic, we will actively involve audience participation through interactive discussions and collaborative idea generation. By advancing an understanding of cybersecurity as an organizational phenomenon, we aim to enhance societal resilience, ensure more reliable access to resources, and strengthen public trust in digital infrastructures.