Intellectual Activism in business schools: an academic praxis to improve lives

Abstract

What is intellectual activism and why is it important that business schools academics embrace it? In this paper I theorise intellectual activism as a special form of critical performativity. By proposing a Gramscian analysis of the current socio-historical situation I explain why is now urgent that we engage in intellectual activism as a way to improve lives - those of ourselves as academics and of our constituencies including students and management practitioners in public and private settings. In a propositive effort I elucidate the key features of this academic praxis which is progressive, critical, engaged and concrete. I elaborate these features and then I introduce specific tactics/practices for engagement offering examples related to teaching, research and management/admin work. In summary I suggest that intellectual activism in business schools is i. a form of political work; ii. a form of ‘building work’; and iii. not easy. I exhort you all to examine its meaning and discern ways in which you can...