Journal Articles
Exploring Positive Relationships at Work
Tuesday, January 5th, 2010In Chapter 7 of Exploring Positive Relationships at Work, edited by Jane E. Dutton and Belle Ragins, Martin N. Davidson and Erika Hayes James look at diversity among coworkers. The authors point out that building positive relationships across differences in organizations requires conflict as well as learning.
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In the wake of the financial crisis: rebuilding the image of the finance industry through trust
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009“In the Wake of the Financial Crisis: Rebuilding the Image of the Finance Industry through Trust” by Erika Hayes James links the financial crisis with positive organizational management. When stable corporate entities, such as Merrill Lynch and Lehman Brothers, enter bankruptcy, a crisis is definitely occurring. A crisis is defined as a low-probability, high-impact event that poses a threat to a company’s security. What has now become known as “the financial crisis” has affected banks, but also insurance companies such as AIG, and automakers such as GM, Ford, and Chrysler. Perhaps because of what some would call the source of the problem, the subprime mortgage lenders, and their predatory lending practices, an environment of corporate distrust has emerged.
Trust is built when expectations are met over time. Companies acquire trust by fulfilling the public’s needs and avoiding negative outcomes. When a crisis happens, trust is disturbed. Confidence in the abilities of a company and a perception of honesty from its leaders are important to stakeholders. When stakeholders can rely on management to do the right thing, a relationship of trust exists. When that trust is betrayed, however, negative feelings and unproductive behavior can occur on both sides.
A Woman’s Value(s): Evolutionary Psychology and the Differences in Compensation Packages for Male and Female Top Executives
Monday, April 27th, 2009“A Woman’s Value(s): Evolutionary Psychology and the Differences in Compensation Packages for Male and Female Top Executives,” by Christine Shropshire, Erika Hayes James, and Peggy Lee asks the question: What are the psychological aspects that may account for the pay gap between male and female executives? The authors use multiple samples and methodologies to try to answer this question. For example, they include the top executives of the largest 1,000 U.S. firms from 1990 to 2003, and they interview board of director members who have been involved in hiring and compensating CEOs.
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Linking Crisis Management and Leadership Competencies: The Role of Human Resource Development
Thursday, April 16th, 2009“Linking Crisis Management and Leadership Competencies: The Role of Human Resource Development,” by Lynn Perry Wooten and Erika Hayes James, shows the importance of building skills in executives for leading during a crisis. Human resource development can prepare leaders to handle the various stages of an organizational crisis. Typically, there is no formal training or on-the-job experience to prepare a leader for crisis management. The authors emphasize the importance of having a system in place to guide leaders through crises such as accidents, scandals, and product safety and health incidents.
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Leadership as (Un)usual: How to Display Competence in Times of Crisis
Wednesday, April 15th, 2009“Leadership as (Un)usual: How to Display Competence in Times of Crisis,” by Erika Hayes James and Lynn Perry Wooten, addresses the competencies required to lead a business through turbulent events. The authors emphasize that the handling of a crisis can be just as consequential as the crisis itself; it can make or break a firm’s reputation.
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