Abstract
This research advances the possibility of placebos and placebo effects in organizations and management theory. The placebo is a widely recognized phenomenon in different fields such as medicine. Research finds in some cases that over 30 percent of participants who receive dummy treatment in clinical trials experience an end to their symptoms. Yet, the placebo phenomenon is currently largely overlooked in management theory and research, although there may be important theoretical and methodological aspects to consider. For instance, organizations may make decisions and take actions (take a placebo, i.e. inert treatment), believing it to be medication (effective treatment), and experience an end to their symptoms (e.g., poor performance). In considering the placebo phenomenon, I aim to offer novel insights to enhance existing theory and provide a foundation for future research.
Additional information about the workshop can be found here: https://aom.org/events/event-detail/2023/04/28/higher-logic-calendar/amr-idea-development-workshop-denmark
