Martin Blom

Many scholars are struggling to find their way in a reality characterised by a growing sense of urgency to solve pressing social problems and a diminishing faith in traditional institutions, such as universities, spreading through society. Some scholars respond by turning towards activism, which manifests in overtly ideological teaching, increasingly radical critical research agendas, and even public actions in the name of science. Others may feel attracted to enter into academia, perhaps as PhD students, primarily in search of a platform to advance deepfelt issues. In this chapter, we problematise the self-proclaimed role and practice of Homo academicus activistarum—i.e., the academic activist—within the scholarly fields of management and organisation. However, our suggested alternative is not the idealistic Homo academicus, devoted to knowledge but detached from managerial and organisational practice. Instead, we propose the role of Homo academicus imaginatus, or the imaginative scholar, who explores, illustrates, and communicates productive and thought-provoking alternatives to current states of affairs and practices. In the chapter, we outline how the imaginative scholar can engage in “imaginative performativity” as an approach to both teaching and research, promoting reflexivity and alternative thinking while simultaneously avoiding the pitfalls and perils of academic activism.