How to develop a research agenda in two days: “Gender in organisations in the MENA region Think Tank”
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
ISSN: 2040-7149
Article publication date: 16 August 2019
Issue publication date: 20 September 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the aims, objectives and structure of a two-day Think Tank, “Gender in Organisations in the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region”, held at the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates on 18–19 March 2019.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper will explain the design decisions made to achieve the objectives of the event, which will be of interest to equality, diversity and inclusion readers who may wish to hold such events themselves. It will then explain each of the Think Tank sessions and provide an overview of the keynote speakers’ presentations and the ensuing plenary discussions.
Findings
The Think Tank was an extremely useful vehicle for facilitating discussion on the development of a research agenda to advance knowledge in respect of gender in organisations in the MENA region. The design of the Think Tank enabled collaborative discussion amongst academics drawn from across the globe, who shared their knowledge and experience to develop a coordinated research agenda, to guide action and attention on key issues identified by the group.
Originality/value
The Think Tank is believed to be the first of its type in the MENA region. The authors believe this collaborative and time-efficient approach advances research agendas in respect of key issues of interest to equality, diversity and inclusion scholars. The Think Tank format is a valuable addition to the processes currently utilised to achieve such outcomes, e.g. conferences and symposia.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the generous support of the School of Business Administration at the American University of Sharjah who supported the Think Tank through funding, administrative and academic effort, and also Susan Madsen, Utah Valley University, and Julia Storberg-Walker, George Washington University, for their previous inspirational Think Tank event, and their generosity in sharing their knowledge and learning with us as we planned and organised our Think Tank. The authors were also delighted to have Susan Madsen provide the introductory session at the event, and sorry that prior commitments meant that Julia could not be present. Thanks are also extended to the Think Tank keynote leaders, namely, Fida Afiouni and Charlotte Karam, American University of Beirut, and Susan Vinncombe, CBE, Cranfield University. In addition, the authors would like to show appreciation to all the participants who travelled to Sharjah, and made the Think Tank a memorable regionally important event. They were Norita Ahmad, Su Beesley, Diana Bilimoria, Pernilla Bolander, May Dabbagh, Kate Hutchins, Morten Huse, Angela Kornau, Louise Morley, Stella Nkomo, Pat O’Connor, Jennifer Olmstead, Bridgette Rickett, Marie Waxin, Kate White and Huiping Xian.
Citation
Kemp, L. and Kumra, S. (2019), "How to develop a research agenda in two days: “Gender in organisations in the MENA region Think Tank”", Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Vol. 38 No. 8, pp. 814-824. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-06-2019-0184
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited