Creating Scholarship and Journeying through Academia: Reflections and Interpretations from the Field*

This autobiographical account describes and analyzes aspects of rhe life and work of a scholar in organizational science. The author begins the account by discussing his origins and early work experi-ence in South Africa, then focuses on three of his publication projects that exemplify the processes he considers significant to his development as a scholar. In reflecting on his career ro date, the authorpoints out themes that may be useful for understanding his and other scholars ' experiences. He concludes by criticizing the stifling effects of the pressures universities andjournals exert on scholars today, and urges the consideration of alternate ways of creating and pursuing useful knowledge. INTRODUCTION and pad, reach back in my memory, and try to recreate the experiences that inform this ac-count, This was truly a journey to the moun-tains in search of meaning about my life to date as an academic