Campaigning Philosophy and Policy

Academy of Management (AOM) values elections that are free of active “politicking‟). It is certainly appropriate to ask fellow members of AOM for further information about a candidate you do not know. However, recommending candidates to others or actively campaigning is inappropriate and inconsistent with the way we operate as an association. This applies to general elections in AOM as well as to division/interest group elections.

Campaigning within AOM’s community is defined as attempting to influence the vote of others or promoting one candidate over another.

The Campaigning Philosophy is based on the following principles: 

• All candidates are provided a level playing field. All candidates are presented to the membership in the same manner and given an equal opportunity to share their views or biographies for consideration. We seek to avoid elections in which campaigning may advantage one candidate over another. 
• Candidates are elected on the merits of their service and leadership ability rather than campaign resources. 
• Candidates are elected to lead AOM or their division/interest group as a whole. We seek to avoid elections in which candidates represent coalitions campaigning on their behalf. 
• An open opportunity to be nominated and fairly considered for candidacy. The Academy Bylaws require open nominations and the construction of an appropriate slate, eliminating the need for self-promotion through campaigning. 
• Proper notification of members about the nomination process and the opening of elections. Announcements in newsletters, via email and on the website(s) are generated in a controlled manner, at reasonable intervals. We seek to avoid the undesirable prospect of candidates using electronic communication to inundate members with campaign material.
  

Examples of campaigning include but are not limited to: 

• Using AOM communication vehicles (e.g.,Communities listservs, newsletters, letterhead, distribution lists, AOM social networking platforms, etc.) for the purposes of endorsing specific candidates, soliciting votes on their behalf, or highlighting select candidates over others. 
  With regard to personal communication vehicles, AOM acknowledges that free speech takes place among friends and colleagues but cautions that organized support at the personal level does not reflect the spirit of our philosophy and has often been viewed negatively by recipients, disadvantaging rather than aiding a candidate. 
• Using the Academy‟s Member Directory or any other AOM directory (e.g., division /interest group roster, leadership directory, databases of authors, submitters, etc.) to build distribution lists for the purposes of campaigning. 
• Elected officers of AOM or division/interest groups, or volunteers serving in appointed leadership positions endorsing candidates for office. Individuals holding such positions should also be aware that even when acting as individuals and not Academy representatives their title may be associated with a personal message despite intent to keep the two separate. 
• Use of AOM funds for any activity that can be construed as campaigning.