The field of business and management is undergoing profound transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving societal expectations and the increasing complexity of global challenges. This perspective special issue (PSI) of the Organization Management Journal (OMJ), themed “Contemporary Issues in Business and Management,” brings together a diverse set of manuscripts that reflect the dynamic nature of these changes. Each contribution offers unique insights into pressing topics, ranging from leadership transitions and experiential learning to the impact of social media on workplace behavior.

This PSI is particularly timely, as it addresses critical topics that resonate with both scholars and practitioners. Today’s academic world mirrors broader societal trends – from the rise of visiting professorships in a growing gig economy to social media’s impact on knowledge worker productivity. This special issue examines how experiential learning drives societal impact and why quantitative reasoning remains essential in management education. It also explores publication processes and leadership career paths in higher education and makes a case for replication studies to strengthen field credibility. By connecting scholarly concerns with practical realities, this collection offers timely insights for both researchers and practitioners navigating education’s evolving terrain. These articles collectively underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary challenges.

In addition to presenting these scholarly contributions, we are thrilled to announce exciting news for authors: OMJ has increased its maximum article length from 5,000 to 8,000 words. This expansion allows for more comprehensive analyses and deeper engagement with complex issues. Authors are encouraged to use this extended format to enrich their submissions while adhering to guidelines for figures and tables.

We also address the 2025 academic calendar, which features two significant events for management scholars: the Eastern Academy of Management (EAM) Conference and the Southwest Academy of Management (SWAM) Conference, organizational sponsors of this journal. Both offer networking, research exposure and professional development opportunities while addressing contemporary challenges in business and education.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the editorial team, reviewers and authors whose dedication has made this special issue possible. Their commitment to advancing knowledge in business and management is invaluable.