The Future of the Australasian Marketing Academy: Challenges and Priorities

Abstract

In this introduction to the special section on the future of the Australasian marketing academy, we reflect on the rapidly changing academic environment and the challenges and priorities this raises for the marketing discipline. Specifically, we consider the value of marketing education and research to stakeholders, how marketing can contribute to emerging challenges across business and society, how the marketing academy can amplify marginalised voices and be more inclusive, and the health and wellbeing of marketing academics. Next, we present key findings from research we conducted to examine issues of equity, inclusion and wellbeing within the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC) member environment. We highlight which problems persist and where change is needed to challenge exclusionary dynamics and foster a more inclusive academy. To unpack and draw further attention to these issues, we then introduce the six papers that comprise the special section. Collectively, these papers present provocations on the future of the Australasian marketing academy and invite you to consider where we should be headed and what actions must be taken.

Perspectives on the History and Future of the Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy (ANZMAC)

“…Continuing with a hybrid conference option is a relatively simple way for ANZMAC to demonstrate its commitment to DEI despite the added financial cost and organisational complexity. In summary, demonstrating a serious commitment to incorporating indigenous knowledge and DEI into marketing pedagogy, research and organisational practice helps the Academy fulfil at least part of the call to ‘amplify marginalised voices and be more inclusive’ (Gurrieri & Reid, 2022, p. 161).…”

“…Indeed, it offers a community platform for members to interact, share ideas, support and offer development opportunities that are key to the sustainability of this prosocial model. A healthy Academy provides members a strong sense of belonging, collaboration, learning and advocacy for the discipline, and we feel this support may help to mitigate the intensification of academic workloads (Gurrieri & Reid, 2022).…”

“…Some members argue that overall ANZMAC serves its members well, but not all constituents agree that the organisation performs to its full potential (e.g. Gurrieri & Reid, 2022). In particular, ANZMAC has been criticised for being largely irrelevant to the business community and government (Conduit et al, 2022).…”