What kind of publication is the “B.A.W.B. Interactive Working Paper Series”?
Our working paper series is an open access journal that provides an outlet for papers with original theorizing and research about the role of business as an agent of benefit in the world and society. We seek publishable drafts of articles that have not yet undergone the extensive review process necessary for publication in traditional journals or other types of publications.

What does “interactive” mean? Can I make a comment on a paper?
The series is designed to allow readers to make comments and suggestions to the authors. You can share your reactions or comments about a particular article by logging in (on the home page) and posting a comment. While critical feedback is welcome, we would like comments to be constructive and in the spirit of genuine dialogue. Our hope is that the interactive aspect of the forum will allow authors to gain important feedback from interested readers who may help each writer to improve the work. We also aim to create a lively discussions about the role of business in society.

What types of papers are appropriate to submit?
Examples might include written versions of presentations made at conferences or in other types of open forums. The interactive aspect of the forum we offer here will allow authors to gain feedback from interested readers who may help each writer to improve his or her writing. We accept a variety of different types of papers. For more details please refer to About.

How are you defining “business” and “world benefit”?
We define business as an exchange relationship between two or more parties in which the opportunities and needs of participants are fulfilled and extended. We suggest that business functions as an agent of benefit to society when the opportunities of each party in an exchange relationship are enhanced. For instance, all participants emerge from the relationship with some benefit: greater self-sufficiency, more empowerment, just or fair compensation, improved health, or restored environment. Organizations are strengthened in their resiliency and capacity. Employees are transformed in their ability to exercise moral judgment. Communities and nations resolve societal issues, creating greater security and prosperity. The potential for these mutually enlarging effects are generated when business acts as an agent of world benefit. Please join us in an effort to understand the factors that allow for business to function as an agent of benefit.

What topics are you looking for?
The following are suggestive of, but not exclusive to, the types of themes we seek:

• What are the mechanisms of business practice that can be used to improve the condition of people or increase their self-sufficiency? What conditions allow for these practices to flourish or take root?
• Why might existing business organizations target disadvantage populations (such as those at the “Bottom of the Economic Pyramid” or communities with the intention to improve (rather than merely exploit) their condition? What are the factors, relationships or mechanisms that make it viable for business organizations to reach these populations?
• What are the ways in which business organizations engage in unusual management practices to create benefit or shift the norms of well-being in society (e.g. supply chain management, exceptional labor practices, etc)? What are the incentives for business to engage in such activities?
• What are the conditions that allow for social entrepreneurs to engage with or form their own business organizations to develop and implement beneficial business innovations?

I am a practitioner, can I write about my own work with business?
Yes, if your article is linked to existing theory and written in a scholarly manner. (See About for more information about the types of papers we are looking for). It is the policy of the series, however, to not accept articles that have marketing or advertising of the author’s practice as a central part of the writing.

I am not from Case/I am not associated with a University can I still submit?
Yes, submissions are open to anyone, but we are looking for scholarly writing, even if you are not a formal member of an academic institution.

How to cite a paper in the series?
Please use following example for referencing a paper in the series: Bright, D. and Godwin, L., (2006), “A Research Framework for Transformative Innovation,” B.A.W.B. Interactive Working Paper Series, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp 25-38. http://worldbenefit.case.edu/research/paperseries.

May I use the papers free of charge?
Permission to make copies of this work for personal or classroom use is granted provided that copies are not used for profit or other commercial purpose and that copies bear this copyright notice and a full citation. Abstracting with credit is permitted. Written permission from the authors and possibly a fee are required prior to making any other use of this material. If in doubt, contact the author of the respective paper.

May I publish my papers elsewhere? What if I need to remove the paper from the series while it is in review at a journal?
In short, this series is intended to be an incubator for papers. We strongly encourage authors to use the feedback derived from this site to revise and submit the papers elsewhere.

Some journals require the removal of a paper from a working paper series while it is in review. Please notify the editors if you need the paper to be temporarily removed. We will insert a note that interested readers may contact you directly for a copy of the paper at your discretion.

If you successfully publish a paper, please notify the editors so that we may refer readers to the latest version in the journal.

How often is the B.A.W.B. Interactive Working Paper Series published?
We publish new issues periodically, as opportunity arises.

How can I subscribe to the publication?
Access is free of charge and no subscription is required.

Can I get a hard copy of a paper?
Yes, download and print the respective PDF file. We do not distribute hard copies.

What are the paper submission criteria? Can I submit a paper?
Please review Submission Information. For further information please contact the editors.

What are the manuscript style and format guidelines? What is the submission procedure?
Please review Submission Information. For further information please contact the editors.