"Connecting Data, Methods, and Theory in an Era of Complexity" 📊🧩🤖
Primary sponsor: RM · Co-sponsors: OMT, CTO, ENT, STR
Sunday, August 2, 2026 · 9am–12pm
Marriott, Room 414 (Level 4), Philadelphia
Dear colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to the PDW "Connecting Data, Methods, and Theory in an Era of Complexity" at the 2026 Academy of Management Annual Meeting in Philadelphia.
Organizations increasingly operate in complex settings where interdependent elements produce nonlinear, emergent outcomes. Yet much empirical work still isolates single variables under linear assumptions. This PDW takes on that tension by bridging data-driven and theory-driven approaches to better align methods, data, and theorizing.
PDW Format:
- In the first part, there will be an introduction into theory-method alignment, presentation on four methodological frontiers and a panel discussion. This is open to all.
- In the second part, there will be a roundtable part, where participants receive developmental feedback on early-stage ideas. To join the roundtables, submit a short proposal in advance (details below).
Four Methodological Frontiers:
Causal Machine Learning, Configurational Approaches, Multiverse Analysis, and Large Language Models.
Who should apply?
Scholars at all career stages working in strategy, entrepreneurship, organization studies, and information systems - including doctoral students and those with very early ideas.
How to submit:
Send an early-stage idea – no method and findings are required. Your proposal should address three things:
- Phenomenon: what real, concrete organizational or societal setting are you interested in, and why does it matter, practically and theoretically?
- What we know: the theoretical lenses or empirical findings most relevant to it (a few key anchors is enough).
- What we don't know: the gap, puzzle, or tension your work addresses, and the question that would advance our understanding.
Organizers:
Beyers Louw
Assistant Professor of Strategic Management
Department of Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Contact louw@rsm.nl
Websites RSM Page | LinkedIn | Scholar
Madeleine Meurer
Assistant Professor of Digital Entrepreneurship and Societal Change
Department of Business & Society Management
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Contact meurer@rsm.nl
Websites RSM Page | LinkedIn | Scholar
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