We often imagine that organizations are rational places, where we can solve problems, make decisions and implement strategies. Many of us also know from our experience that organizations are highly political places and that they are full of complicated emotions and relations that easily undermine attempts to lead, learn and change. My research has investigated the emotional and political dynamics of organizing, as well as the impact of these dynamics on management learning, leadership and change. 

The general themes of my research include: management and organizational learning, leadership and leadership development, emotion in organizations and institutions, group relations/ system psychodynamics, and the organization of reflection.

My research connects with various academic leadership roles. I am Honorary Professor of Management at the University of St Andrews. I am currently an Associate Editor for the Academy of Management Learning and Education (AMLE) journal. I am a former Editor-in-Chief of the international academic journal Management Learning (2005-2010). I am an internationally recognized expert in emotion in organizations, organizational learning and critical action learning.