Rice Business and HEC Paris Inaugural Conference on the Organizational Underworld

Our colleague Sebastian Oelrich attended the first conference on the Organizational Underworld, co-hosted by Rice Business and HEC Paris, in Paris. The event brought together researchers from across management disciplines to explore themes such as organizational wrongdoing, scandal, and stigma.
Sebastian presented joint work with Nicole Siebold on the role of commitment and norms in organizational misconduct. The conference featured a diverse lineup of presentations and discussions, fostering rich academic exchange.
Despite (or because of!) an intense heatwave (38°C) and an unexpected power outage that led to a candlelit dinner, the event was marked by a strong sense of community and intellectual engagement. The venue, a historic 16th century townhouse in the heart of Le Marais, provided a unique backdrop for the conference.
Special thanks to the organizing committee Julien Jourdan, Anastasiya Zavyalova, Alessandro Piazza, Marlon Mooijman, and Yasir Dewan for curating a memorable and thought-provoking event.