Abstract:
This introductory paper frames the special issue by exploring the potential of academics and others to serve as Intellectual Shamans, Wayfinders and Edgewalkers to inspire system change. We draw upon the shamanic and Māori Wayfinding traditions as they apply to intellectuals in the management academy and the concept of Edgewalking to explore the ways in which academics can create the change that is needed to effect a thriving and ecologically harmonized world for humankind and the rest of the world's living beings. We explore various dimensions of what constitutes awakening and reflective practices and argue that the role of hope allows aspirations of a better world to emerge, grow and take hold.
