Memories and Reflections from the Gender Research Group: 21 Years of Collaborative Action

Abstract

In most organisations, ideas of collaboration and collaborative action are often lauded, but often in practice more challenging to carry into effect. The Hanken School of Economics Research Group on Gender Relations in Organisations, Management and Society, usually known as the Gender Research Group, or just GRG, was launched publicly in 2000. This collection celebrates those 21 years of existence. It brings together memories and reflections from members and former members. It is collective effort from the corridors of Hanken, from elsewhere in Finland, and from beyond. The continuing message is that gender matters, that researching gender and gender relations come in many shapes and sizes, and that these in turn impact in multiple ways on working, organisational and personal lives, and on the changing form of academia and science. In this long-term process, the importance of mutual support and mutual learning cannot be over-stated. “[This publication] … tells me about a supportive community and, (citing from the texts): a relaxed, inspirational and creative atmosphere, eye-opening occasions, honesty, companionship, laughter, friendship, equality, and humour, also when the topics are heavy or personal. At the same time, the meta story conveys the authors’ feeling of being involved in important and meaningful academic work conducted in an international network.” (Professor Emeritus Karl-Erik Sveiby, Hanken School of Economics) “This publication is important because the experiences and accounts of the influences of the Group members to their studies, professional identities, careers and life in general are made visible. The publication shows that any research group, such as the Gender Research Group can have an extensive influence on many spheres of an individual’s life, not solely to the advancement academic contentbased knowledge of a topic in question.” (Professor Anna-Maija Lämsä, Jyväskylä University) ”This delightful volume attests that the most generative moments in research can be found in the meeting of great minds. The personal stories are contagious, highlighting the emotional, serendipitous and transformative sides of research collaboration that too rarely get discussed in published work. Congratulations on this wonderful book!” (Rebecca Piekkari, Marcus Wallenberg Professor of International Business, Aalto University) For anyone interested in getting inspiration on the potential that collaboration can bring, please read on!