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Recent economic, technological, and societal changes (e.g., the shift from large organizations to decentralized networks of individuals/small businesses, #metoo movement) require organizations to adapt to the transforming nature of work by altering the way work is performed and the roles that workers play. Due to globalization and advanced communication technologies, modern organizations are also characterized by a diverse workforce that needs to be carefully managed. Therefore organizational leaders must take on the challenge of unleashing the true potential of diversity and inclusion by challenging assumptions and changing corporate cultures. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, my research explores the implications of the ongoing transformation of work in terms of worker’s identity and their perspective on time and place, and looks into the main competencies workers need to successfully adapt to the new way of working. In addition, I examine how modern organizations can promote a diverse and inclusive workplace and how they deal with one the major barriers to the career development of professional women – sexual harassment in the workplace. Finally, I explore the role of leaders in creating a diverse and inclusive community. On a larger scale, my research aims to help leaders and organizations clarify how they can contribute to a more tolerant, diverse, and inclusive society.
Dr. Ksenia Keplinger (Leeds School of Business of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA)
Scholar in Residence
Ksenia Keplinger is a Scholar in Residence (faculty member with research, teaching, and service responsibilities) at the Leeds School of Business of the University of Colorado Boulder, USA. She holds a Ph.D. in Social Sciences (Focus on Organizational Behavior) from the Johannes Kepler University of Linz, Austria, an MS in Finance and Management Accounting from the same university as well as a BS in International Economics from the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Russia. Ksenia uses both qualitative and quantitative research methods to 1) explore the transforming nature of work (gig work vs. traditional employment, mental health in the workplace), 2) to understand how organizations deal with a diverse workforce (gender and racial biases, sexual harassment in the workplace), and 3) to identify effective leadership practices (ethical leadership, leader identity, leader’s emotions). Ksenia’s work has been featured in outlets including Harvard Business Review, PLOS One, and Group and Organization Management, and she has won numerous awards including the REHAU Business Award and the Award of Excellence from the Austrian Federal Ministry for Science and Research.