The Strategic Management Society (SMS) is committed to understanding and improving strategic management practices in organizations around the world. SMS members contribute to this objective by researching and disseminating scientific and professional knowledge regarding strategic management through teaching and publishing and by engaging in consulting and managerial practice. As noted on our Web site and materials, we are a ‘professional society for the advancement of strategic management.’ These guidelines focus on two areas: basic values espoused and professional values which foster excellence in practice, research, and teaching. The basic and professional values constitute a platform upon which strategic management scholars and practitioners can build their academic and professional work. The intent behind this statement is to promote reflection and discussion regarding professionally responsible conduct. It is the individual responsibility of each member to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct in research, teaching, practice, and service. Following well-articulated values will improve the welfare of the individuals within our Society, as well as enhance the reputation of our profession.
(1) HONESTY AND INTEGRITY: SMS members conduct their professional affairs in ways that inspire trust and confidence. As such, they aspire to truth, honesty, accuracy, and the avoidance of fraudulent activity, and they act in ways that respect others’ welfare and dignity.
(2) OPENNESS: SMS is a multidisciplinary society and, therefore, respect for different perspectives is encouraged. Members strive to be open in their interactions with others so they can most effectively learn from and build on knowledge from other areas. They seek to treat others with respect and dignity and as equal members of the Society through mutual trust and respect.
(3) RESPECT FOR PEOPLE’S RIGHTS, DIGNITY, AND DIVERSITY: SMS members affirm: (a) we do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, health condition, or marital, domestic, or parental status; (b) everybody has the right to hold and express their opinions and beliefs without prejudice and persecution; (c) everybody is entitled to express opinions that are different from those of the majority; and (d) everybody has equal rights and responsibilities as members of the Society.
(4) PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY: SMS members form a society of scholars and practitioners who believe in and promote ethical scientific and professional behaviors. We seek to help all be accountable for their actions by promoting such sound professional standards of conduct.
SMS members contribute to the field by supporting the mission and objectives of the Strategic Management Society and participating in the collective efforts of the Society. SMS members benefit from the Society’s institutional infrastructure that disseminates members’ research and knowledge and helps members network with each other. The values listed in the following sections foster the development of a society interested in supporting the profession.
(5) MANAGERIAL PRACTICE AND CONSULTING: Understanding and improving strategic management practices in organizations is a mission that benefits organizations and society at large. Therefore, SMS members regularly bring their research and knowledge to bear in the decision-making process of private organizations and public institutions, and contribute to debates about public policy wherever possible. It is a privilege of our profession to contribute knowledge that affects business and public policy, and we should welcome such opportunities to contribute to organizations and society. This privilege also involves certain responsibilities of the users of our knowledge, as well as society at large. The following principles govern the activities of SMS members as they offer advice to organizations or institutions:
(6) VOLUNTEERISM: The SMS is an association of volunteers that depends on involvement and leadership from its members. SMS members should contribute their time and competences to support the activities of the Society, including serving as officers, presenters, editors, and reviewers.
(7) RESPONSIBILITY AND CITIZENSHIP: Officers and members of the Society and the Interest Groups seek to discharge their duties responsibly and according to the bylaws of the Society, and without conflicts of interests. They foster the quality and diversity of activities in the field, and do not use their roles to further their own research or promote personal agendas.
(8) KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND DISSEMINATION: The SMS encourages meaningful exchange and dissemination of knowledge among its members and society at large. To make that exchange possible, SMS members should give priority to presenting and disseminating their work in SMSsponsored conferences and publications.
(9) INTEGRITY IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS: Much research and knowledge creation in strategic management has prescriptive implications for managers or regulators. It is the authors’ responsibility to disseminate their research and knowledge (through presentations, publications, teaching, or consulting) in ways that reduce the risk of misinterpretations.
(10) EDITORIAL AND REVIEW PROCESS: The SMS facilitates the development, evaluation, and dissemination of research through the review process for conference and journal publications. The review and editorial process is critical to the health of the field, and SMS members should contribute to this process.
(11) TEACHING: SMS members involved in teaching or executive education should strive to develop informative and challenging classes for their students. Likewise, helping prepare future teachers in the profession is a goal of the SMS.