Research and Teaching

Research Program

I am an organisational behaviour (OB) and human resource management (HRM) scholar. My current research program is focused on the individual, team and organisational drivers of employee learning behaviours (e.g., critical reflection, keeping up to date, feedback seeking, knowledge sharing, experimenting) and innovative behaviour.

In a rapidly changing world, organisations must rely on their employees to develop and adapt new ideas, and to openly share knowledge with their colleagues. However, many employees are disinclined to engage in either activity. They may lack opportunities for creativity, or may choose not to invest too much time outside of routine activities on creative work. They may fear criticism from their peers about novel methods, or they may not wish to give up unique knowledge to other employees that enhances their performance.

I am happy to discuss supervision of prospective higher degree (Masters and PhD) students who are aligned with my research interests. I am especially interested in supervising students with a psychology or science background.

A full list of my research publications may be viewed on Google Scholar.

Topics

  • Employee Learning, Training and Development
  • Informal, Self-Directed and Work Learning
  • Innovative Behaviour and Knowledge Sharing
  • Attitudes towards Learning
  • Advanced Research Methods

Featured Research Projects

  • Learning for Purpose

    A project investigating how not-for-profit organisations can facilitate work learning

    Learning for Purpose is an ARC Linkage Project conducted in partnership between the University of Western Australia, the University of New South Wales, Swinburne University of Technology and a large network of Australian not-for-profit organisations. With many not-for-profit organisations unable to invest large amounts of money in training and leadership development, the role of informal learning is vital for developing a skilled workforce. This project examines how human resource management systems and work design are linked to work learning.

  • Transformational Leadership: How much is enough?

    This project investigates the relationship between transformational leadership, knowledge sharing and innovative behaviour

    Transformational leadership is usually considered to be conducive to employee performance and creativity. However, research examining the relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour has been inconsistent; some studies show a positive relationship and others a negative one. Across two studies, we examine the possibility of a non-linear relationship between transformational leadership and innovative behaviour, and also investigate the role of knowledge sharing.

  • Stimulating employee innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing

    This project investigates how supervisors can encourage innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing

    Employee innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing are useful activities in helping organisations to better serve their customers. However, employees are often reluctant to engage in these activities as they may be criticised for deviating from established methods, and they may lose status by giving up unique knowledge. This study among secondary school teachers examines how the quality of the relationship between supervisors and employees (leader-member exchange) influences participation in both activities. It also investigates employees’ willingness to stretch themselves in order to enhance their knowledge and understanding (learning goal orientation), and what effect this has on their participation in innovative behaviour and knowledge sharing.

Teaching Overview

I am currently the convenor (lecturer-in-charge) of two undergraduate management units, Introduction to Management and Critical Thinking in Management. I am working on several innovations to enhance the teaching experience and to improve student learning.

Featured Teaching Projects

  • Ozzipalooza

    A management simulation game designed to teach introductory management concepts.

    Ozzipalooza is a management simulation game, developed for the first-year students in Introduction to Management. Players follow the interactive story of Alex, a young graduate of Swinburne University who finds herself in the unenviable position of having to take over a large events management project from her boss. The game requires students to use the four core management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling.

  • Peer Evaluation Tool

    The development of a student peer evaluation for assessing performance on a group task.

    Team projects are designed to help students to develop their interpersonal effectiveness and become better collaborators. However, a significant challenge of student group projects is that many students fail to contribute equally. The peer evaluation is intended to provide students with a means of providing feedback to other students in their team. Their ratings of contribution can be used to moderate students’ individual marks on a group assignment.