Assessing the Lack of Sample Diversity in Organizational Research: Academy of Management Proceedings

TY - ABST

T1 - Assessing the Lack of Sample Diversity in Organizational Research

T2 - Academy of Management Annual Meeting 2024

AU - Schimmelpfennig, Robin

AU - Elbaek, Christian

AU - Singh, Anisha

AU - Mitkidis, Panagiotis

N1 - doi: 10.5465/AMPROC.2024.15484abstract

PY - 2024

Y1 - 2024

N2 - Sampling data from organizations and humans associated with those organizations is an essential part of organizational research. Much of what we know about organizations and their stakeholders is based on such empirical work. However, there is reason to believe that the empirical foundation is compromised. As studies often sample data from relatively similar, narrow contexts, a lack of sample diversity accumulates in the discipline. To conceptualize this lack of sample diversity and examine its prevalence in the body of organizational research publications, we systematically review articles from 2018-2022 in six top management journals. We assess sample diversity across three dimensions: geographical, organizational, and personnel contexts. Our results show a lack of sample diversity, for instance a strong bias towards 'WEIRD' country samples and an underrepresentation of SMEs in organizational research. Based on the findings and past work we introduce a conceptual framework for sample diversity, offering a structured perspective for future research. Additionally, we propose guidelines to enhance sample diversity for authors, reviewers, and editors. Overall, this article seeks to enhance the robustness and relevance of organizational research to prevent misinformed policies and practices in organizational settings but also in wider societal contexts.

AB - Sampling data from organizations and humans associated with those organizations is an essential part of organizational research. Much of what we know about organizations and their stakeholders is based on such empirical work. However, there is reason to believe that the empirical foundation is compromised. As studies often sample data from relatively similar, narrow contexts, a lack of sample diversity accumulates in the discipline. To conceptualize this lack of sample diversity and examine its prevalence in the body of organizational research publications, we systematically review articles from 2018-2022 in six top management journals. We assess sample diversity across three dimensions: geographical, organizational, and personnel contexts. Our results show a lack of sample diversity, for instance a strong bias towards 'WEIRD' country samples and an underrepresentation of SMEs in organizational research. Based on the findings and past work we introduce a conceptual framework for sample diversity, offering a structured perspective for future research. Additionally, we propose guidelines to enhance sample diversity for authors, reviewers, and editors. Overall, this article seeks to enhance the robustness and relevance of organizational research to prevent misinformed policies and practices in organizational settings but also in wider societal contexts.

U2 - 10.5465/AMPROC.2024.15484abstract

DO - 10.5465/AMPROC.2024.15484abstract

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

Y2 - 9 August 2024 through 13 August 2024

ER -