Dr Richard Longman

Professional biography

I have a growing international reputation as a researcher and work from a critical constructivist perspective which helps make sense of my experiences of the world and my hopes for the future. My research takes ideas about alterity as a starting point to consider how we might cultivate new organizational practices and subjectivities. And, in addition to ongoing work around organising in alternative ways and organising alternative things, I have current interests in truth claims, strategic ignorance, activism, and, learning and teaching differently. I build my research on qualitative and socio-digital research methods suitable for interrogating alternative organisational settings and exploring individual/collective subjectivities. Through this research agenda, I seek to confront destructive and divisive practices and nourish alternatives that are more responsible and sustainable. I share this work by writing for academic journals and books as well as reaching wider non-academic audiences through blogs and podcasts.

I am a passionate educator known for designing, delivering, assessing and revising teaching programmes at UG, PG, Doctoral, and Executive level. I have extensive experience in developing innovative approaches to teaching and learning, including online, hybrid, and in person formats, and sharing this practice with others. I hold a Masters degree in Education from the University of Cambridge, as well as a Postrgraduate Certificate in Academic Professional Practice and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy. My major contributions at The Open University, are to modules on Effectiveness and Integrity (Professional Practice element of the Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship), and on Employee Relations and Employee Engagement and Workplace Learning: Coaching and Mentoring (both at Masters level). I am happy to receive enquiries about potential supervision at masters and doctoral levels.

I was elected to the CMS Division Executive Committee (Academy of Management) for a 5-year term (2020-2025) and currently serve as Division Co-Chair Elect - a role I share with my colleague, Professor Caroline Clarke (also from The Open University, UK). I am a member of the editorial collective that leads the work of CMS In Touch - a global digital platform for real-time conversations on critical issues in management and organisations, working in partnership with the Academy of Management CMS Division and the journal Organization to connect and support critical scholars, activists, and practitioners across geographical, political, financial and other boundaries through free online events.

I also extend the impact of my work into meaningful relationships with individuals and organisations, staying connected with the future consumers of the knowledge I produce. I enjoy collaborations with scholars who share a desire to eradicate the marginalisation and othering of certain groups, and who seek to overcome feelings of powerless in the face of the global effects of inequalities manifested through disease, poverty, and hunger. I am always happy to receive media enquiries about my core areas of expertise.