Whether we notice it or not, polarization affects our lives. Be it in our classrooms, our fields of research, the organizations we work at, polarization changes the roles we play as scholars. Having a more informed view of how polarization works might be a good first step in countering its evil effects.

In this workshop, we will look at the origins of polarization, at how it affects the way we categorize and build our culture. We will also explore how it builds within us and present a skill we can use to try to empathize with people across the aisle. Finally, we will explore how polarization is changing our educations programs and even the organizations we study, consult for, or work at.

The workshop will consist of two expert panels and roundtable discussions. One panel will present three different viewpoints from research subfields. A second panel will present the views of practitioners and management educators. We hope that this workshop will be informative in helping us see what can do, in our different roles, to better see across the charged divide and avoid the downsides of polarization.

No application is required for this workshop.

We kindly ask that if you plan to attend the workshop, you RSVP by September 9, 2022. Registration for workshops will open in August. Saturday Workshops at the Annual Conference are included in the registration rate for the Annual Conference. Participants in workshops must be registered for the Annual Conference. Walk-ins are welcomed as space allows.