The below letter and references was sent to AOM members 21 January, 2025. The result was the bylaws amendment was approved and will take effect starting with the 2025 Board of Governors election. 

Dear AOM Members:

The AOM Board of Governors invites you to participate in an important vote on proposed amendments to the AOM Bylaws. These changes are designed to strengthen the Academy’s governance structure and ensure its alignment with AOM’s strategic goals and evolving needs.

AOM serves nearly 20,000 members across 110 countries, reflecting a diverse and global community. As the organization continues to grow, it is vital that its governance structure remains both representative and capable of directing and overseeing an expanding portfolio of activities and services. The proposed changes will enhance the board’s capacity to support AOM’s growing membership, foster inclusivity, and respond effectively to the demands of a dynamic global academic environment.

The key amendment involves increasing the number of Representatives-at-Large on the Board of Governors from 9 to 12, bringing the total number of board members (including 5 Officers) to 17. If approved, the changes would be implemented gradually, with one additional representative elected each year over the next three years.

A detailed markup of the proposed amendments to Article II and the current version of the AOM Bylaws can be reviewed below. For more information about the rationale behind these changes and the voting process, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

A member vote is required to approve any amendments to Article II of the AOM Bylaws. Voting on the proposed amendments will open 21 January 2025 and close on 28 February 2025. Academic, Executive/Practitioner, and Emeritus members are eligible to vote.  Amendments receiving a majority of affirmative votes from participating members will be adopted at the conclusion of the voting period.

Please take this opportunity to review the proposed amendments and cast your vote during the voting period.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Sincerely,

Peter Bamberger

President, Academy of Management

Detailed Markup of Proposed Amendments to the AOM Bylaws

The following amendments to the AOM Bylaws are proposed:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the proposed amendments to the AOM Bylaws?
   The proposed amendments include increasing the number of Representatives-at-Large on the Board of Governors from 9 to 12, resulting in a total of 17 board members (including 5 Officers).
2. Why is the Board of Governors proposing these changes?
   AOM serves nearly 20,000 members across 110 countries, reflecting a diverse and global community. To meet the evolving needs of its members and address strategic goals, AOM seeks to ensure that its governance structure is both representative and capable of managing increasing responsibilities. The proposed changes will enhance the board’s capacity to support its diverse membership, foster inclusivity, and respond effectively to the demands of a dynamic and global academic environment.
3. Could an expanded Board result in inefficiencies or additional expenses?
   AOM’s Board of Governors (BOG) operates largely via its committees. With AOM’s growing range of activities and services, AOM needs additional BOG members to ensure that it can continue to exercise its governance mandate effectively. While the proposed expansion of the BOG will entail some additional costs associated with its two in-person meetings each year, these additional costs are nominal.
4. How will the changes be implemented if approved?
   If approved, the additional Representatives-at-Large will be added gradually, with one additional representative elected each year over the next three years. This phased approach ensures a smooth transition while maintaining staggered 3-year terms for all Board of Governors’ Rep-At-Large members.
5. Who is eligible to vote?
   Academic, Executive/Practitioner, and Emeritus members of AOM are eligible to vote on the proposed amendments.
6. When does voting open and close?
   Voting will open on 21 January 2025 and close on 28 February 2025.
7. What is required for the amendments to be adopted?
   A majority of affirmative votes cast by participating voters is required for the amendments to be adopted at the conclusion of the voting period.