Dear Colleagues,

War always has a profound effect on various fields of study, and management studies is no exception. (Aronovici, 1919; Fenelon, 1940; Hutton, 1918; Powell, 1954). The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine has not only heightened the global focus on the region, but has also intensified the scrutiny of war's impact on management practice and theory. This unique and turbulent context provides a rich backdrop for exploring the diverse and dynamic ways in which war reshapes management and organizational behaviour across different sectors (Havrylyshyn et al., 2024; Maśloch, 2023; Opatska et al., 2024). As we witness the unfolding events in Ukraine, it becomes increasingly clear how integral management studies are for understanding and navigating the complexities introduced by war. From strategic decision-making under duress to the transformation of organizational structures and cultures in response to crisis, the challenges are as varied as they are critical (Levy, 1986). This special issue addresses these pressing issues by seeking insights into the resilience, adaptability, and innovation that emerge in times of war and conflict.

We invite scholars and practitioners to contribute their research and perspectives on how war affects different branches of management, including but not limited to international management (Dai et al., 2017; Meyer et al., 2023; Reade & Lee, 2012), supply chain management (Bednarski et al., 2023; Cui et al., 2023; Krykavskyy et al., 2023), crisis management (Opatska et al., 2024), organizational resilience, leadership under stress, organizational change, and the role of identity and memory in organizational behaviour (Barnes & Newton, 2018). Our geographical focus is on the transition countries of Central and Eastern Europe as well as Caucasian countries, covering not only the current war in Ukraine, but also other armed conflicts in the region, both current (e.g. the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan) and in the past (e.g. the wars in ex-Yugoslavia).

This special issue aims to bring together a comprehensive array of analyses that examine not only the immediate impacts of the violent conflict but also consider the long-term implications for management theory and practice. We aim to develop a multidimensional understanding of management and organization in times of war, drawing from empirical research, theoretical advancements, and detailed case studies. Thus, conceptual as well as quantitative and qualitative studies are welcome. Submitted papers will undergo a double-blind peer review process and will be evaluated by at least two anonymous reviewers.

Submission process (two paths) and important dates:

⇒ Path 1 (optional)

– Deadline for extended abstracts submissions: 31st July, 2024 (send to thomas.steger@ur.de)

– Presentation of selected extended abstracts in two Paper Development Workshops (details will be provided after abstract acceptance)

       (a) in person at the AIB-CEE Conference in Budapest, 18-21, September, 2024 or

       (b) online via Zoom on 13th September, 2024

⇒ Path 2

– Deadline for full paper submissions: 30th November, 2024 (send to thomas.steger@ur.de)

– Initial desk-rejections by 20th December, 2024

– 1st round of double-blind reviews completed by end of February, 2025

– Deadline for submission of revised versions by end of May, 2025

– 2nd round of double-blind reviews completed by end of August, 2025

– Final decision on inclusion in the special issue by end of September, 2025

– Publication of the SI: November/December, 2025

In order to support potential authors for this special issue, two paper development workshops will be organized, one in person at the AIB-CEE Conference in Budapest (18-21 September 2024) and one virtually via zoom on 13 September 2024. Potential authors interested in these events are invited to submit their extended abstracts (1-3 pages) to Thomas Steger by 31 July 2024 (thomas.steger@ur.de).

Final acceptance depends on the reviewers’ judgment regarding:

(1) Thematic fit: does the submission contribute to the topic of the special issue?

(2) Theoretical contribution: Does the submission offer novel insights or extend existing considerations?

(3) If applicable: Empirical contribution: Are the study design, data analysis, and results rigorous and appropriate to the research questions? Do empirical findings offer innovative insights?

All submissions should be prepared for blind review in line with the JEEMS author guidelines (https://www.jeems.nomos.de/fileadmin/jeems/doc/Authors_Guidelines.pdf). Informal enquiries regarding the special issue (topics, potential fit etc.) are welcome and can be directed to the guest editors Taras Danko (taras.danko@khpi.edu.ua), Tetiana Sobolieva (sobolieva_tetiana@kneu.edu.ua), Piotr Trąpczyński (piotr.trapczynski@ue.poznan.pl), or Thomas Steger (thomas.steger@ur.de).

Prof. Dr. Tetiana Sobolieva, Prof. Dr. Taras Danko, Prof. Dr. Piotr Trąpczyński and Prof. Dr. Thomas Steger
Guest Editors