Public Management Research Conference

The conference committee invites proposals for individual papers that explore high-quality empirical and theoretical research, as well as innovative research designs. Submissions should be no longer than 300 words. Participants may submit up to two proposals.

Empirical papers will be evaluated based on the importance and clarity of the research question, the robustness of the design and methods, the quality of the data, and the implications of the findings. Research approaches can be qualitative, quantitative, or a mix of both.

Theoretical and conceptual papers will be evaluated on their ability to provide deep insights into critical public management issues, challenging or refining existing theories, proposing testable hypotheses, or developing new conceptual frameworks.

The committee also welcomes proposals for complete panels, which should consist of four related papers and a designated chair. These panels should bring together papers that address a common research question or theme in public management.

Panel submissions must include a title and a brief description (100 words or less), along with the titles of the four individual papers (each of which must be submitted separately). Information about the panel chair should also be provided. The individual papers will be reviewed based on the criteria for paper submissions. The panel organizer is responsible for submitting the entire panel proposal.

Panel diversity is strongly encouraged, reflecting variations in gender, race, geographic representation of authors and institution, rank, and research methods.

The program committee reserves the right to modify panel compositions by adding or removing papers to better fit the conference's goals, particularly in cases of presenter dropouts.

A limited number of workshops will be held on June 25, 2025, offering opportunities for in-depth learning and engagement. We invite proposals for workshops on topics that have significant potential to advance public management research. Workshops can be either half-day or full-day sessions.

Proposals for workshops must be submitted through the online system and should include the following details: 1) Title, 2) Statement of objectives and relevance to the field, 3) Length and format of the session, 4) Names and affiliations of session organizers and leaders, and 5) Ideal number of participants. Workshop proposals should not exceed 300 words. Workshop proposals do not count toward the per participant research presentation limit.

Papers not accepted for panel presentations may be eligible for presentation in a poster format. Poster presenters will display their research visually and engage in one-on-one discussions with attendees about their work. Additionally, poster presenters will be eligible for poster-specific prizes.

All paper proposals will undergo a double-blind peer review process. Reviewers will provide recommendations to the program committee. Each participant may submit no more than two proposals, whether single-authored, co-authored, or part of a panel. Participants are limited to two acceptances, with at least one being multi-authored, and may present only once during the conference.

All proposal types (research presentations, panel proposals, and pre-conference workshops) must include the following information:

• Author contact details

• Proposal title and abstract (maximum of 300 words)

• Relevant keywords

• Main research question or problem driving the proposal

• Two key academic references that form the foundation of the proposal

• Information about the authors' diversity, including student status, based in the Global South, or belonging to a historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group

The Board of Directors, either directly or by delegation to a committee, selects the university and site to host each Public Management Research Conference (PMRC).

Once selected, the host university will organize all conference logistics, manage conference finances, organize and conduct host receptions and other events, and manage the PMRC.

The Public Management Research Conference (PMRC) is held every year. The conference will rotate locations from being held at a location in the continental United States, followed by a location outside the continental United States. Each year a Conference Site Selection Committee shall be appointed by the President to solicit and review proposals for the conferences and recommend to the President the next conference site. The President can review the decision with the committee, and will notify the Board of the final decision.  A separate Conference Site Selection Committee shall be appointed for each year’s conference.

A Memorandum of Agreement will be signed between the host university and PMRA setting out terms of the conference administration.

Each year, the President shall select a Conference Committee which shall include a representative or representatives from the host university and a representative from the immediate past conference host university. The Conference Committee, working with representatives of the host university, shall establish the upcoming PMRC theme, criteria for papers, and panel selection and other general conference policy.

Well in advance of each conference, the members shall be invited to propose to the Conference Committee paper topics and/or draft papers or a desire to serve as panel chairs or discussants. Panel subjects and paper presenters are selected by the Conference Committee.