Brian Spisak

Biography

Brian R. Spisak researches how and why leadership develops in large-scale social networks, blending social and organisational psychology with the study of biological and cultural evolution. He applies this perspective to issues relevant in business and management, including how an evolutionary perspective of leadership adds to our understanding of innovation, sustainability, and alignment of operational behavior with strategic goals. He is also the external engagement coordinator for the Department of Management and works with leaders on how they can apply this (and other) perspectives to make their organizations more effective, resilient, and adaptive. He has already applied an evolutionary perspective to understand intergroup conflict for the United States Office of Naval Research and NATO, analysing ways to build co-operative ties between peacekeeping troops on the ground and the local population. He has also contributed to one of the first academic books on applying evolutionary psychology in the business sciences. His work is published in journals such as Academy of Management Review, Psychological Science, and The Leadership Quarterly. In addition, his academic contributions are featured in popular media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, Time Magazine, and the New Scientist.  

Research Interest

  Brian’s research interests include: Evolution and Human Behavior Organizational Behavior Social and Organizational Psychology Leadership Intergroup Dynamics Innovation Resource Sustainability Voting Behavior