Research Summary
Research Summary
Overview
Description
I am a field researcher studying the relational nature of work. Organizations are inherently social institutions and provide myriad opportunities for relationship formation. My work begins with the simple insight that all relationships are not equal: interpersonal relationships can vary in nature from purely instrumental to characterized by affective concern--such as friendships or romantic partnerships. My research is grounded in the idea that organizational contexts have a meaningful impact on the nature of relationships we form within those contexts. Processes, structures or expressed values can, for example, facilitate deep interpersonal belongingness relationships, or can hamper employees' ability to forge these deep, meaningful relationships.
My work explores the ways in which varying relational experiences, as facilitated by contextual factors, lead to, or inhibit, important individual and organizational outcomes such as engagement, motivation, performance, and individual development. My exploration is primarily field-based, and is largely quantitative in nature. I leverage field experiments, quantitative analyses of archival data, and social network analysis in answering my research questions. I have conducted research across various industries--including food processing; fruit harvesting; auto manufacturing; fast food; and consulting. I have a particular interest in blue-collar occupations, and am passionate about exploring the ways in which relationships at work can make routine work more meaningful.
Keywords
Prosocial Motivation; Feedback; Personal Development; Needs; Organizational Design; Performance Productivity; Social and Collaborative Networks; Networks; Groups and Teams; Family and Family Relationships; Food and Beverage Industry; Manufacturing Industry; Consulting Industry; Consumer Products Industry