Forum: Exchanges on Cases and Policy Courses

Abstract

Three considerations led to the decision to print in this form the material that follows. The first was the idea that the Academy of Management, among its purposes, should provide a FORUM for educators and others in the field to compare notes, have a constructive “go” at each-other and “talk out loud” on occasion on things that concern research (which is sometimes talked about more than done), teaching (which may well at times conflict with learning if we are to believe some of what we hear), and other activities of the profession (that may complete the reinforcing cycle to regenerate and strengthen the first two or make the first two nearly impossible.) (Should we not be concerned with the stated main purposes of our respective universities in a time when even they are hard put to maintain their integrities?) The second is the encouragement of dialogue across national and “business school” boundaries. The third is to dare to discuss with each other a somewhat sacred thing called “the” policy course! The first two items represent an American and an Italian observation. The third was an editorial response. Thereafter, the original writers were sharp enough to suggest that all three be printed. The editor then thought it might be appropriate to let someone else have a last word in a larger context.