Videos by Robert M Yawson
This is a brief video welcoming my students to OL 650 – Leading Organizational Change - Fall 2020... more This is a brief video welcoming my students to OL 650 – Leading Organizational Change - Fall 2020 class
Organizations are changing rapidly, and these changes occur in many forms, from minor transitions to significant transformations and upheavals. To deal with these changes requires new skills and attitudes on the part of leaders. This course aims to increase your understanding of these forces – in yourself and others – so that as they become more visible, they become manageable (more or less) and hence subject to analysis and choice. We will look at these issues from individual, group, and organizational points of view and organize our treatment of leadership thought and action from several analytic perspectives - namely, the strategic design, political, and cultural perspectives. The goal is to make you aware of this challenge and equip you to meet it better. We will analyze the forces that drive organizations to change, examine impediments to change, and survey a range of approache 50 views
Thursday with Dr. Ken: A conversation between Ken Richmond, MD, MSOL, FAPA and Prof. Robert Yawso... more Thursday with Dr. Ken: A conversation between Ken Richmond, MD, MSOL, FAPA and Prof. Robert Yawson on "Yearning"
If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Tips/Strategies to foster yearning
- Savor the moment
- Value your training
- Unbridle your imagination
Kindly share something you are yearning for.
Full video: https://lnkd.in/eCX37Zz 1 views
The use of metaphors to explore the connection between theory and practice in organization and le... more The use of metaphors to explore the connection between theory and practice in organization and leadership studies has proven to be highly effective. The Dead Goat Syndrome (DGS) emanates from a popular Ghanaian metaphor literary meaning a goat that is already dead does not fear to be thrust with a knife. Using this metaphor, we present a new lens for looking at leadership effectiveness and identify the basis for certain leadership behaviors in organizations.
The multidimensionality of the DGS makes it unique and ideal for studying systemic and complex issues related to leadership and organizations. You can also watch the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xnli4z6Aao
Osafo, E., & Yawson, R. M. (2021). ‘The “dead goat syndrome” in organisations’, International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 15/2: 143–62. DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2021.113415 92 views
This is a brief overview of a paper I recently published with Dr. Emmanuel Osafo of the Washingto... more This is a brief overview of a paper I recently published with Dr. Emmanuel Osafo of the Washington State University on “Tempered radicalism as an approach to revisiting indigenous forms of critical human resource development.”
The paper draws on the concept of a tempered radical approach to provide a framework for a critical HRD (CHRD). It explores how this view can contribute to developing HR who possess the requisite tools and character to function efficiently in the 21st century and beyond.
Please download our paper and read and do not hesitate to send me any questions you have: Osafo, E., & Yawson, R. M. (2021). ‘Tempered radicalism as an approach to revisiting indigenous forms of critical human resource development’, European Journal of Training and Development, 45/2/3: 259–83. DOI: 10.1108/EJTD-03-2020-0049
If you do not have access to the paper, let us know and we will send you a copy. Watch my brief overview of the paper here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDsQOBCjws 14 views
The role of big finance and technology in social change is rapidly evolving. This book examines w... more The role of big finance and technology in social change is rapidly evolving. This book examines why large financial players are entering the social sector through social finance. Drawing on empirical research, the authors analyse the opportunities this new interest and commitment presents as well as the potential harm that can be done to vulnerable people when beneficiaries are not treated as partners and the social needs of people are not placed at the centre of the investment model. This book introduces a ‘Deliberate Leadership’ framework to help big finance tackle problems with no easy solutions. The book also analyses how current technologies (including blockchain) are being used and the benefits and drawbacks of different features of these technologies from the standpoint of the beneficiary and investor. The authors derive a series of insights into the model of technology for social finance and impact investing. 1 views
Papers by Robert M Yawson
Organization Management Journal, Feb 7, 2025
Purpose
This study aims to explore Dr Judy Olian’s leadership journey from business school dean ... more Purpose
This study aims to explore Dr Judy Olian’s leadership journey from business school dean to university president, aiming to distill key lessons for aspiring higher education leaders.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a multimethod qualitative approach, including a personal interview with Dr Olian, an analysis of a podcast featuring her insights, a review of her official university profile and the author’s lived experience as a faculty member under Dr Olian’s leadership. This semiethnographic approach is supplemented by a review of relevant literature on higher education leadership.
Findings
The study reveals critical competencies for transitioning to university leadership, including strategic vision, change management skills, team-building abilities and external relationship management. It highlights the importance of seeking broadening experiences, developing financial acumen and cultivating resilience in leadership roles. The research also underscores the significance of shared governance and the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder relationships.
Practical implications
The research provides valuable insights for business school deans and other academic leaders aspiring to university presidencies, offering strategies for professional development and leadership transition.
Originality/value
This study offers a unique perspective on the transition from business school leadership to university presidency. It combines insider observations with Dr Olian’s reflections to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in higher education leadership.
Organization Management Journal, 2025
The field of business and management is undergoing profound transformations, driven by technologi... more The field of business and management is undergoing profound transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving societal expectations and the increasing complexity of global challenges. This perspective special issue (PSI) of the Organization Management Journal (OMJ), themed "Contemporary Issues in Business and Management," brings together a diverse set of manuscripts that reflect the dynamic nature of these changes. Each contribution offers unique insights into pressing topics, ranging from leadership transitions and experiential learning to the impact of social media on workplace behavior. This PSI is particularly timely, as it addresses critical topics that resonate with both scholars and practitioners. Today's academic world mirrors broader societal trendsfrom the rise of visiting professorships in a growing gig economy to social media's impact on knowledge worker productivity. This special issue examines how experiential learning drives societal impact and why quantitative reasoning remains essential in management education. It also explores publication processes and leadership career paths in higher education and makes a case for replication studies to strengthen field credibility. By connecting scholarly concerns with practical realities, this collection offers timely insights for both researchers and practitioners navigating education's evolving terrain. These articles collectively underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary challenges. In addition to presenting these scholarly contributions, we are thrilled to announce exciting news for authors: OMJ has increased its maximum article length from 5,000 to 8,000 words. This expansion allows for more comprehensive analyses and deeper engagement with complex issues. Authors are encouraged to use this extended format to enrich their submissions while adhering to guidelines for figures and tables. We also address the 2025 academic calendar, which features two significant events for management scholars: the Eastern Academy of Management (EAM) Conference and the Southwest Academy of Management (SWAM) Conference, organizational sponsors of this journal. Both offer networking, research exposure and professional development opportunities while addressing contemporary challenges in business and education. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the editorial team, reviewers and authors whose dedication has made this special issue possible. Their commitment to advancing knowledge in business and management is invaluable. The manuscripts featured in this special issue are: • "From Major Revision to Accept: Strategies for Crafting Effective Reviewer Responses in Contemporary Business Research." This peer-reviewed article provides practical advice on navigating the revise and resubmit (R&R) process, emphasizing emotional intelligence (EI) and empathy (Philip & Winton, 2025). • "From Business School Dean to University President: Leadership Lessons from Dr Judy Olian." This editorial review explores Dr Judy Olian's career and offers insights into higher education leadership (Yawson, 2025). • "Academia's Gig Economy: Visiting Professors." This editorial review examines the trend of visiting professorships, drawing parallels with the gig economy and discussing its implications for higher education (Lewis, 2025).
Organization Management Journal, 2025
The field of business and management is undergoing profound transformations, driven by technologi... more The field of business and management is undergoing profound transformations, driven by technological advancements, evolving societal expectations and the increasing complexity of global challenges. This perspective special issue (PSI) of the Organization Management Journal (OMJ), themed "Contemporary Issues in Business and Management," brings together a diverse set of manuscripts that reflect the dynamic nature of these changes. Each contribution offers unique insights into pressing topics, ranging from leadership transitions and experiential learning to the impact of social media on workplace behavior. This PSI is particularly timely, as it addresses critical topics that resonate with both scholars and practitioners. Today's academic world mirrors broader societal trendsfrom the rise of visiting professorships in a growing gig economy to social media's impact on knowledge worker productivity. This special issue examines how experiential learning drives societal impact and why quantitative reasoning remains essential in management education. It also explores publication processes and leadership career paths in higher education and makes a case for replication studies to strengthen field credibility. By connecting scholarly concerns with practical realities, this collection offers timely insights for both researchers and practitioners navigating education's evolving terrain. These articles collectively underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing contemporary challenges. In addition to presenting these scholarly contributions, we are thrilled to announce exciting news for authors: OMJ has increased its maximum article length from 5,000 to 8,000 words. This expansion allows for more comprehensive analyses and deeper engagement with complex issues. Authors are encouraged to use this extended format to enrich their submissions while adhering to guidelines for figures and tables. We also address the 2025 academic calendar, which features two significant events for management scholars: the Eastern Academy of Management (EAM) Conference and the Southwest Academy of Management (SWAM) Conference, organizational sponsors of this journal. Both offer networking, research exposure and professional development opportunities while addressing contemporary challenges in business and education. Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the editorial team, reviewers and authors whose dedication has made this special issue possible. Their commitment to advancing knowledge in business and management is invaluable. The manuscripts featured in this special issue are: • "From Major Revision to Accept: Strategies for Crafting Effective Reviewer Responses in Contemporary Business Research." This peer-reviewed article provides practical advice on navigating the revise and resubmit (R&R) process, emphasizing emotional intelligence (EI) and empathy (Philip & Winton, 2025). • "From Business School Dean to University President: Leadership Lessons from Dr Judy Olian." This editorial review explores Dr Judy Olian's career and offers insights into higher education leadership (Yawson, 2025). • "Academia's Gig Economy: Visiting Professors." This editorial review examines the trend of visiting professorships, drawing parallels with the gig economy and discussing its implications for higher education (Lewis, 2025).
Developing Leaders for Disruptive Change: An Inclusive Leadership Approach
Advances in Developing Human Resources, Jul 8, 2022
Problem Across all sectors, leadership decision-makers question how to professionally develop lea... more Problem Across all sectors, leadership decision-makers question how to professionally develop leaders who foster cohesive, collaborative, and high performing workforce environments in diverse organizations. They doubt the efficacy of traditional leadership development modalities when confronted by unpredictable emerging workforce and workplace challenges. Solution The article’s conceptual framework is centered on the premise that the best interaction between leader and led in diverse organizations is inclusive leadership. Leaders who deliberately role model inclusive leadership behaviors create a culture where everyone works to their full potential, stimulate learning organizations, and catalyze workforce relationships towards achieving strategic goals. Stakeholders This article is ideal for Human Resources, Human Resource Development, Organizational Development, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility professionals, trainers, facilitators, consultants, practitioners, change agents and leaders. It may be helpful in generating ideas and practices for developing interventions catalyzing inclusive practices among leaders and workforce members.
Organization Management Journal, Jun 14, 2022
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Videos by Robert M Yawson
Organizations are changing rapidly, and these changes occur in many forms, from minor transitions to significant transformations and upheavals. To deal with these changes requires new skills and attitudes on the part of leaders. This course aims to increase your understanding of these forces – in yourself and others – so that as they become more visible, they become manageable (more or less) and hence subject to analysis and choice. We will look at these issues from individual, group, and organizational points of view and organize our treatment of leadership thought and action from several analytic perspectives - namely, the strategic design, political, and cultural perspectives. The goal is to make you aware of this challenge and equip you to meet it better. We will analyze the forces that drive organizations to change, examine impediments to change, and survey a range of approache
If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders. Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.
-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Tips/Strategies to foster yearning
- Savor the moment
- Value your training
- Unbridle your imagination
Kindly share something you are yearning for.
Full video: https://lnkd.in/eCX37Zz
The multidimensionality of the DGS makes it unique and ideal for studying systemic and complex issues related to leadership and organizations. You can also watch the video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xnli4z6Aao
Osafo, E., & Yawson, R. M. (2021). ‘The “dead goat syndrome” in organisations’, International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 15/2: 143–62. DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2021.113415
The paper draws on the concept of a tempered radical approach to provide a framework for a critical HRD (CHRD). It explores how this view can contribute to developing HR who possess the requisite tools and character to function efficiently in the 21st century and beyond.
Please download our paper and read and do not hesitate to send me any questions you have: Osafo, E., & Yawson, R. M. (2021). ‘Tempered radicalism as an approach to revisiting indigenous forms of critical human resource development’, European Journal of Training and Development, 45/2/3: 259–83. DOI: 10.1108/EJTD-03-2020-0049
If you do not have access to the paper, let us know and we will send you a copy. Watch my brief overview of the paper here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDDsQOBCjws
Papers by Robert M Yawson
This study aims to explore Dr Judy Olian’s leadership journey from business school dean to university president, aiming to distill key lessons for aspiring higher education leaders.
Design/methodology/approach
The research employs a multimethod qualitative approach, including a personal interview with Dr Olian, an analysis of a podcast featuring her insights, a review of her official university profile and the author’s lived experience as a faculty member under Dr Olian’s leadership. This semiethnographic approach is supplemented by a review of relevant literature on higher education leadership.
Findings
The study reveals critical competencies for transitioning to university leadership, including strategic vision, change management skills, team-building abilities and external relationship management. It highlights the importance of seeking broadening experiences, developing financial acumen and cultivating resilience in leadership roles. The research also underscores the significance of shared governance and the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder relationships.
Practical implications
The research provides valuable insights for business school deans and other academic leaders aspiring to university presidencies, offering strategies for professional development and leadership transition.
Originality/value
This study offers a unique perspective on the transition from business school leadership to university presidency. It combines insider observations with Dr Olian’s reflections to provide a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in higher education leadership.