Successful start-ups need a new language
The HWZ School of Business Zurich is celebrating a significant success in management research: Prof. Sybille Sachs, Head of the Institute for Strategic Management at the HWZ, was awarded the Academy of Management Review (AMR) Best Paper Award 2024 together with Sharon Alvarez from the University of Pittsburgh. Their study sheds light on how a common language and identity lay the foundation for the successful development of new ventures.
Prof. Sybille Sachs from the HWZ and her co-author Sharon Alvarez from the University of Pittsburgh were honored with the prestigious Best Paper Award 2024 from the Academy of Management Review (AMR) in Chicago for their groundbreaking research on the emergence of stakeholders and new ventures. In their study "Where do stakeholders come from?", published in AMR issue 48(2) of 2023, they explore the early stages of start-ups from a novel perspective. Rather than looking at the formation of ventures purely in economic terms, the authors apply the psycholinguistic theory of common ground to explain how stakeholder commitment is fostered through the development of a shared language, identity and vision.
This innovative approach was particularly highlighted by the AMR jury, who praised the clarity and comprehensibility of the complex theoretical concepts. "This award is a wonderful confirmation of our work and shows how important it is to develop new perspectives in management research," explains Prof. Sybille Sachs. "I am particularly pleased that our theory on the emergence of stakeholders and companies was received so positively. It is a topic that is very close to my heart, as it is of great importance for both practice and academic research."
The AMR Best Paper Award is presented annually to outstanding scientific papers that make a substantial contribution to the advancement of management science. Alvarez and Sachs' paper came out on top in a strong field of applicants, which underlines the international recognition of their work. The award was presented at this year's Academy of Management conference in Chicago and confirms Prof. Sybille Sachs' excellent scientific achievements and her outstanding role in international management research.
