European Academy of Management hosted an insightful conference at Bath

Euram 2024 was organized in Bath, UK, from the 24th to 28th of June and the theme for this year was “Fostering Innovation to Grand Challenges”. Various presentations and keynote speeches around the theme and beyond were very inspiring, especially for me as this was my very first EURAM conference. A substantial conference has its assets when you have endless opportunities to pick from different tracks and topics.

The first session launched the motivation and inspiration to research by discussing multidisciplinary. The panelists noted that quite often multidisciplinary studies are incomplete in both disciplines they represent, which we have interestingly also noticed in our research. Therefore, they suggest that interdisciplinary research calls for clear definitions of whatever discipline they represent when aiming toward high-quality studies. This is also something we have focused on in our work, even though it is sometimes challenging. Using concepts appropriately would not only be more qualified research but would also enrich the study itself. The panelists advocated the excellent possibilities multidisciplinary research has, and we agree on this very much. The insights, ideas and new concepts one discipline can bring to each other, are certainly enriching and collaboration is the key to interdisciplinary.

Having a background in adult education, I especially focused on participating in the management and leadership-related tracks and sessions to enhance my knowledge. When listening to presentations naturally my attention was caught by the concepts that are more familiar to me. For example, there was one interesting research about psychological empowerment as a mediator between transformational leadership and employee voice, which they confirmed in their studies. Several studies were conducted on well-being at work or well-being. Well-being was researched with e.g. positive leadership, affective commitment and psychological need satisfaction. Also, research on psychological detachment from work and employee well-being was studied, and the presenter highlighted the importance of work-life balance. Regarding the theme of the conference – Fostering Innovation to Grand Challenges – there were several interesting openings, e.g. a study of what specific leader behavior promotes employees’ innovative work behavior. Their finding emphasized motivational- and opportunity-enhancing leadership behavior. One other study discussed innovative performance and emphasizing collective resources in leadership in increasing it. At its best research always has practical and societal implications. Many studies were related to the contemporary discussion in society and one interesting one was the study, where they conducted a 4-day week work trial and research. The findings supported the shorter week, although it also provided critical aspects in their findings. It is interesting how every study has its practical implications, but some studies have a more straightforward link to working life.

The conference was perfectly organized and the participant was looked after with nice coffee breaks and delicious lunches. The conference application helped us to navigate through several buildings and to choose from various tracks and sessions. Meeting new and old fellow researchers was uplifting and encouraging. Through discussions, you realize how all of us researchers struggle with similar problems and seeing how others have conducted their work encourages and strengthens your work.

I also had an opportunity to visit the city of Bath, although the best view of Bath was from the local bus on the way to the University as it is up the hill. The scenery was outstanding with the sunny and warm weather we were fortunate to have and we had no experiences of the worldwide known stereotypical weather England usually has. The city center provided a lovely view of history and exceptional architecture. From a lazy tourist’s point of view, the city is very nice as it is possible to walk through in a few minutes. Next year’s EURAM conference will also have beautiful surroundings as it is held in Florence, Italy.

Marianne Jaakkola

PhD student