Dear Scholars,
We are organizing a symposium proposal for the 2026 Academy of Management (AOM) Conference, focusing on context-dependent leadership outcomes.
As leadership scholars, we increasingly recognize that context matters. Yet many dominant theories still assume that leader behaviors operate similarly across tasks, teams, and cultures.
This symposium tackles a growing theoretical challenge: How do contextual differences reshape leadership effects, and what does that mean for refining (or rethinking) our leadership theories?
We're seeking up to two additional papers that push leadership theory forward by examining:
- When and why leader behaviors vary in effectiveness
- Theoretical boundary conditions in leadership models
- Paradoxical or multidimensional leadership (e.g., paternalistic leadership)
- Cultural and identity-based contingencies
- Leader–follower fit and individual differences
- Creative vs. routine task contexts
- Multi-method or multilevel investigations revealing contextual mechanisms
If your work challenges assumptions, uncovers contingencies, or offers novel mechanisms explaining context-dependent leadership outcomes - we would love to hear from you.
If you're interested in joining, please email Jane Park (jpark144@fiu.edu) and Ashlyn Anderson (AAnderson@walton.uark.edu) by December 22 with your paper title and a 250-word abstract.
We look forward to bringing together scholars who are pushing leadership theory toward greater nuance, precision, and contextual awareness!
Best regards,
Ashlyn Anderson
University of Arkansas
Jane Park
Florida International University
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Ashlyn Anderson
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville AR
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