Abstract

For a number of years there has been recognition of the widening gap between management research and practice. This often stemmed directly from research that failed to resonate with those who practice management. Compounding this theory-reality divide, are the challenges attributed to the use of academic language and the sheer numbers of academic journals that espouse volumes of information which practitioners often find daunting to digest. Research that better connects academics and practitioners to assist solving real-world organizational, management, and leadership challenges can best be underpinned by carefully structured and well-managed collaborations between academia and business. Such connections can also lay the foundations for improved structuring of curricula that better prepares students for dealing with the world of work. This article analyzes one such collaboration undertaken between researchers from two Australian institutions and numerous nonprofit disability service providers, for broader sector application, including for relevant Federal Government Agencies.